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 2022 Founders Award honoree is Underhill Associates.  Underhill Associates has saved and revitalized numerous Louisville landmarks over the past several decades, including Colonial Gardens, Swiss Hall, George Rogers Clark School, old DuPont Manual High School, U of L Dental Myer's Hall, and Kentucky Towers among numerous other notable projects.

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 2022 recipients are Winfrey P. Blackburn, Jr. and R. Scoot Gill  for their 2021 book: "Gideon Shryock: His Life and Architecture, 1802 - 1882"

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 2022 recipient is Cynthia Johnson. Cynthia was on the staff of the Louisville Landmarks Commission for about 15 years.  She oversaw neighborhood preservation efforts and was a passionate champion for inner-city revitalization.  Cynthia conducted numerous research reports on historic properties and moderated many neighborhood landmarking meetings.  Marta Elson regularly reported on Cynthia's efforts to improve Louisville's noteworthy residential districts.

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 2022 recipient of the Klayko Award is John Hans Gilderbloom.    John is a U of L Professor who is a passionate advocate for historic preservation and improving Louisville's quality of life. John has written a book (Chromatic Homes) as well as champions two-way streets which promotes inner city revitalization.  John shares the same values that Branden advocated.

The Heritage Award recognizes important history contributions by an individual or group. The 2022 Heritage Award recipients are as follows:

 “Falls of Ohio River:  Archeology of Native American Settlement”  

 Lamont Collins 

for ROOTS 101 Museum  

 The Bellwether Hotel  

 St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 

for Restoration of Steeples  

City of New Albany  

for City Hall renovation