Charles County, MD – Charles County’s Community Planning Program Manager Cathy Thompson received Preservation Maryland’s 2016 Gearhart Professional Service Award for her leading efforts in preserving and enhancing Charles County’s history. The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, knowledge, and creativity while working to protect and preserve Maryland’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, landscapes, and archeological sites.
“We could not be more proud of Cathy for her tireless efforts to preserve Maryland’s past,” said Peter Aluotto, Director of Charles County Department of Planning and Growth Management. “Thanks to Cathy and her staff, Charles County will establish an educational legacy for generations to come.”
Thompson has worked with the Department of Planning and Growth Management for 16 years, and was instrumental in the creation of the Charles County Historic Preservation Commission. She assists with management of county-owned historic sites, including Stagg Hall in the Village of Port Tobacco and Rich Hill in Bel Alton.
Thompson has worked on the development of revitalization plans and associated physical improvements for the Benedict Waterfront Village, the Historic Port Tobacco Village, the Village of Hughesville, and Rich Hill Farm. She works closely in partnership with Friends of Rich Hill, a private, community group working to rehabilitate Rich Hill Farm’s 18th century house. She has coordinated several special events, including those associated with the War of 1812 Bicentennial celebrations in Benedict and at Rich Hill Farm. Currently, Thompson is creating a heritage tourism plan to support additional land acquisition for protection and interpretation by the county, as well as writing the book entitled, Charles County’s Historic Buildings and Landscapes.
The Best of Maryland Awards will be presented by Preservation Maryland on Thursday, May 12 at 6 p.m. at the Annapolis Maritime Museum (723 2nd Street, Annapolis). Tickets are available for members at $20 and non-members at $30. Visit http://preservationmaryland.org/programs/awards/ to purchase tickets or for more information.
Preservation Maryland has worked to provide advocacy, outreach, education, and funding to support Maryland’s historic preservation for 84 years. For more information about Preservation Maryland, visit www.PreservationMaryland.org. For more information about the Planning Division or Charles County historic preservation, visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/PGM/Planning/Planning.