Established in honor of John W. Shannahan, former State Historic Preservation Officer and Director of the Connecticut Historical Commission and the first Board Chair of CT Main Street Center, this prize recognizes individuals from the public (governmental) sector who exemplify a standard of leadership with a deep commitment to history and main street revitalization.
2008
Senator Donald E. Williams and Senator Andrew Roraback
In selecting Senators Williams and Roraback, CT Main Street Center chose to honor the two public servants most responsible for the 2005 Community Investment Act, landmark legislation which created a yearly funding stream for farmland preservation, open space acquisition, historic preservation and affordable housing. It is this funding source that has provided the resources for the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism to support CMSC’s Preservation of Place Grant Program. Preservation of Place grants allow Main Street programs across the state to build and implement strategies to bring their historic commercial districts back to life.