The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission recently presented the 2012 Visionary in Preservation Award to Ira Beckerman at the annual Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony hosted by Preservation Pennsylvania.

The Visionary in Historic Preservation Award is Pennsylvania’s top historic preservation award. It is presented annually to an individual or organization that demonstrates leadership in helping Pennsylvania communities embrace strong preservation values. The award honors stewards that have shown extraordinary effort and innovation in educating and planning for the future of the state’s historic and cultural resources.

“Ira’s vision, advocacy, patience and persistence has demonstrated how a state can strengthen its partnerships and systems so that its cultural resources can be best evaluated and protected,” said James Vaughan, PHMC Executive Director.

Beckerman, a registered professional archaeologist with a doctorate in anthropology, is employed at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. He has led numerous innovative historic preservation programs and cooperative efforts at PennDOT.

Beckerman’s work has led to many improvements including a statewide agreement that streamlined historic preservation and transportation projects. He also worked to improve technology to connect citizens with transportation projects online and allow internet-based public involvement.

The results of his vision have significantly improved the way the state’s historic properties are preserved and he has helped to insure projects are completed on-time and on-budget.

10/8/2012