The City of Elizabeth has been honored with the Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award for the revitalization of the Elizabeth Welcome Station, which opened last month as a cultural gateway celebrating the city's diverse heritage. The award, named for nationally acclaimed architectural artist Leisa Collins, was presented at the Elizabeth History, Heritage & the Arts event on Thursday afternoon. Collins praised the city for setting "a stellar example of historical stewardship by preserving and transforming this landmark to tell the story of not only the built things surrounding us, but more importantly, the people who made them so."
Mayor J. Christian Bollwage accepted the award on behalf of the city, stating, "Elizabeth has always been a city that values its history while continuing to build for the future. This event celebrates the people, places and stories that have shaped our community and reminds us that preserving our heritage strengthens our identity for generations to come." The award presentation was followed by a panel discussion titled "Painting the Past Forward: How Art and Historic Stewardship Keep Community Stories Alive," moderated by the caretaker of the L. Ron Hubbard Elizabeth, NJ Historic Home. Panelists included Union County Commissioner Stan Neron, Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs History Programs Coordinator John Prescott, Boxwood Hall State Historic Site caretaker Katherine Craig, and Leisa Collins. They discussed how art and historic preservation can illuminate untold stories and strengthen community identity.
At the event's close, Rev. Massimo Parrino, President of the L. Ron Hubbard Foundation, presented an Award of Cultural Leadership to Jennifer Costa and the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce for their collaboration and dedication to cultural stewardship. Guests then toured the newly unveiled Historic Homes & Buildings of Elizabeth exhibit inside the Welcome Station, showcasing the city's historic structures and landmarks. The Elizabeth Welcome Station, part of the GoElizabethNJ250 initiative, is open to visitors and serves as a cultural gateway linking the past with the present. For more information, visit the Elizabeth Welcome Station page.
