Nominations open for Westmoreland Historical Society preservation awards

The Westmoreland Historical Society is seeking nominations for the 2021 Arthur St. Clair Historic Preservation Award.

The award is presented annually to individuals, organizations, businesses or educational institutions that have made “a significant and sustainable contribution to the preservation of our historic places, documents, records, or stories, and by doing so, are keeping alive Westmoreland County’s rich history and heritage for future generations,” according to the society.

The award was not presented in 2020 because of the pandemic.

It is named in honor of Arthur St. Clair, an important figure in the founding of Westmoreland County.

A native of Scotland, St. Clair rose to the rank of Major General in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. After the war, he served as the president of Congress under the Articles of Confederation and as the first governor of the Northwest Territory.

In retirement, St. Clair lived on the Chestnut Ridge between Latrobe and Ligonier. His remains are buried in St. Clair Park in downtown Greensburg.

Nomination forms are available on the historical society’s website. Nominations should not exceed one page in length and must include the nominee’s name, address and phone number, along with a concise and specific description of the nominee’s accomplishments that merit the award.

The nomination also must include the nominator’s name, address and phone number.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Aug. 13. They can be submitted by personal delivery to the historical society’s office at Historic Hanna’s Town; by mail to 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg, PA 15601; or by email to history@westmorelandhistory.org.

Awards will be presented at the 21st annual Arthur St. Clair Historic Preservation Awards Dinner, set for Oct. 20 at Rizzo’s Banquet Hall in Crabtree.

For additional information and a list of previous recipients, visit westmorelandhistory.org.