LHL AWARDS

Named for the League's co-founders, Rev. Clyde Crews & Allan Steinberg, this award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to Louisville history over many years.

The 2023 Founders Award honoree is Gill Holland.  Gill has saved and renovated numerous historic properties.  He is most noted for his revitalization of the East Market / East Main district that he named 'NuLu'. Gill is currently renovating buildings in the Portland neighborhood. 

First awarded  in 2013, the League recognizes an author who published a book in the previous year which continues the legacy of Sam Thomas, who wrote  over 20 exceptional books on local history.

The 2023 recipient is Lynn Pohl for her book  "Waverly Hills Sanatorium: A History"

This award is named for longtime Courier-Journal reporter Martha Elson (photo above) who, over a period of 40 years, wrote thousands of articles featuring the Louisville area's neighborhoods. 

The 2023 recipient is Steve Magre. Steve was a long-time City Alderman prior to Merger in 2001, and then served in the new Council for several years. Steve & his wife Judy have been long time residents and advocates for their Germantown neighborhood. An alley there is named for Steve.  Marta Elson regularly reported on Steve's efforts to improve Germantown.

Branden Klayko was a LHL Board member and produced the popular blog 'Broken Sidewalk'. Branden was very passionate about preservation and historical efforts. He helped save numerous buildings such as the Coleman Building at the southeast corner of Jefferson & Third, which is now part of the Marriott Hotel. Branden lost his battle with cancer in 2017.

The 2023 recipient of the Klayko Award is Stefanie Buzan.    Stefanie is a resident of the Kenwood Hill neighborhood in southern Louisville, near Iroquois Park. She is active with the Little Loom House programs and serves on  the Landmarks Commission. Stefanie shares the same values that Branden advocated.

The Heritage Award recognizes important history contributions by an individual or group. The 2023 Heritage Award recipients are as follows:

Simmons University for restoration of its historic properties

 Fire Museum in Jeffersonville, Indiana  

Masonic Lodge restoration by Denton Floyd in Jeffersonville

 Nancy Theiss of the Oldham County History Center 

Bingham Family  

for facilitating historic photos from the Courier-Journal