Calvert County Government’s historic preservation specialist is in the running for a prestigious award from the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Kirsti Uunila of the Department of Community Planning and Building was nominated earlier this year for the 2013 Secretary of the Interior’s Historic Preservation Award.
The Calvert County Commissioners recognized Uunila during their Tuesday, Oct. 22 meeting.
Barbara Little, an archeologist with the National Park Service, read the nomination statement into the record. She noted the department annually recognizes federal, tribal, state and local employees who make outstanding contributions to the preservation of historic places in the United States. Uunila’s nomination is in the category of certified local government.
According to the Department of the Interior’s web site, the winner ultimately chosen from the list of nominees will receive a special citation and $1,000 monetary prize. The department touts the award as unique since it is “mandated by statute and focuses on individual public servants rather than programs and projects.”
The nomination praised Uunila for assuring citizens “are informed and engaged in historic preservation.” It added that Uunila has been able to “engage newcomers” in Calvert’s long history.
“This is so well-deserved,” said Commissioner Susan Shaw [R], who added for Uunila, historic preservation “is not just a job but a way of life.”
Uunila thanked the county commissioners “for giving me the flexibility and opportunity.”
More information about historic preservation can be found on the Calvert County Government web site under the Department of Community Planning and Building. The web address is www.co.cal.md.us
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
