Springfield Celebrates Local History with 2025 Heritage Awards

The City of Springfield is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Springfield Heritage Awards, honoring outstanding contributions to the preservation and celebration of local history. These annual awards, presented by the Springfield Historic Commission and selected by Mayor Sean VanGordon, recognize both excellence in historic preservation and impactful cultural storytelling that strengthens community identity.

The 2025 award recipients include:

History Maker Award: Nativity Ukrainian Catholic Church
In recognition of their lasting stewardship of Ukrainian culture and heritage in Springfield, the 2025 History Maker Award is presented to the congregation of Nativity Ukrainian Catholic Church. For decades, the parish has served as the cultural heart of the city’s Ukrainian community, offering an annual summer festival that shares folk dance, music, food, and storytelling with hundreds of residents.

Most recently, members of the congregation led a successful initiative to rename “Kiev Street” to “Kyiv Street” in the Uke Village neighborhood, affirming the correct Ukrainian spelling of the capital and honoring the area’s historical roots. Their efforts have received widespread media attention, including coverage in national and international outlets. Through public engagement, cultural celebration, and civic leadership, the congregation has advanced inclusion, cultural literacy, and neighborhood pride in Springfield.

Preservation Excellence Award: Lane County Monuments Project
The 2025 Preservation Excellence Award is presented to the Lane County Monuments Project, an innovative collaboration between the Lane County History Museum, the Springfield History Museum, and Willamalane Park and Recreation District. This digital storytelling initiative explores the history, symbolism, and community significance of public art and monuments across Lane County, including seven in Springfield.

The project features 19 historical narratives that invite reflection on how public memory is shaped and preserved. Highlighted Springfield landmarks include The Equestrian, The Lionesses women veterans monument, the Shankle House, and the Willamette Heights Obelisk. Through research, collaboration, and inclusive interpretation, the Lane County Monuments Project has created a dynamic public history resource that brings meaning and visibility to Springfield’s diverse heritage.

Members of the Lane County Monuments Project, recipients of the 2025 Preservation Excellence Award. Pictured left to right: Megan England, Mayor Sean VanGordon, Maddi McGraw, and Jennifer Yeh.

Members of Nativity Ukrainian Catholic Church, recipients of the 2025 History Maker Award with Mayor Sean VanGordon.

For more information about the Springfield Heritage Awards or the city’s preservation efforts, please visit Springfield History Museum or contact Tom Sievers, Historic Commission Staff Liaison at tsievers@springfield-or.gov or 541-726-2333.

About the Heritage Awards
The Springfield Heritage Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and projects that demonstrate exceptional commitment to the preservation and celebration of the city’s physical and cultural heritage. There are two award categories: the History Maker Award, honoring leadership in shaping and fostering appreciation of local heritage, and the Preservation Excellence Award, which highlights outstanding efforts in restoration, documentation, or interpretation of historic resources.

The 2025 awards mark the program’s fourth year and continue a tradition of celebrating the people and projects that keep Springfield’s history vibrant and relevant.

About the City of Springfield
The City of Springfield is committed to providing high-quality services to its residents, fostering a safe and vibrant community, and preserving the city’s rich heritage. Through various initiatives and partnerships, Springfield aims to enhance the quality of life for all its residents.