PHOENIX – Eight winners were announced for the 2025 Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards during the annual Arizona Historic Preservation Conference on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The awards recognize people, organizations, and projects that represent outstanding achievements in preserving Arizona's prehistoric and historic resources.

"From grassroots initiatives led by passionate citizens to municipal projects and the recognition of two individuals who have dedicated their careers to historic preservation, this year's Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards recipients represent the invaluable work taking place in Arizona to preserve our storied history."

The top honor of the day, the James W. Garrison Grand Award, went to Margaret Hangan whose illustrious career spans 30 years with the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and in the private industry. Hangan retired as a Large Project Archaeologist for the Tonto National Forest in January 2025 and continues her work as Verde Valley Archaeology Center & Museum's Director of Collections, chair of the Naco Heritage Alliance, a Buffalo Soldier historic encampment in the town of Naco, and serves on many historic preservation boards and advisory committees. Hangan also worked as a forest archaeologist for the Kaibab National Forest for 15 years. The award, named for retired state historic preservation officer Jim Garrison, is personally selected by Governor Katie Hobbs from all conference award winners.

The 2025 Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor awardees are:

• Benson Historic Preservation Plan, Benson
• Clarkdale Bandstand Rehabilitation, Clarkdale
• Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Area Rehabilitation, Tucson Mountain Park, Tucson
• Margaret Hangan - Lifetime Achievement
• Marge Jantz - Lifetime Achievement
• Neon Garden at the Post, Mesa
• Teatro Carmen/Black Elks Lodge Façade Restoration, Tucson
• Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, Tombstone
• Trail Rehabilitation at Wupatki National Monument, Flagstaff

Since 1982, the Arizona Preservation Foundation and State Historic Preservation Office, a division of Arizona State Parks and Trails, have partnered to present the Governor's Heritage Honor Preservation Awards. For more information about the Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Awards, visit www.preserveaz.org.  For more information on the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office, visit www.azstateparks.com/SHPO.

Connecting people with the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories.

For information about the more than 30 Arizona state parks and natural areas, trails, Off-Highway Vehicle program, and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. 

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov