This year, however, it’s the historical society and executive director Mary Zawacki — along with her staff and enthusiastic group of volunteers — that will be receiving such an honor. Wednesday at 4 p.m.
at the Historical Society at 32 Washington Ave. in the Stockade, it’s the Schenectady Heritage Foundation that will be singling out the SCHS for its work preserving and interpreting the county’s history. The award helps bring attention to National Historic Preservation Month — sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Also earning an award will be Susan van Heukelom for her work in restoring her home and gardens at 14 North St., the Community Builders, for its work on the St. Columba’s School at 400 Craig St.
, and the Historic Statue Project Committee. “All of our award recipients have fascinating stories to tell about their preservation journeys,” said Gloria Kishton, chair of the Schenectady Heritage Foundation. “All three 2024 award-winning buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the work of the statue committee has really helped promote Schenectady’s history and enhance our public spaces.
” The house at 14 North St., built in 1870, is a single-family dwelling with four bedrooms and two baths. The award will be given posthumously to van Heukelom, who passed away in 2022.
A California native, van Heukelom had a long career in preservation work, in particular stained glass. While she finished her professio.
