Honoring preservation leadership that enriches New England’s communities

The Historic New England Preservation Leadership Award honors an individual or institution whose indelible contribution to the preservation movement has had a transformational impact on the New England region. The awardee’s civic, educational, or professional leadership will exemplify the ways in which thoughtful preservation practice contributes to more livable, sustainable, and inclusive neighborhoods.

Robert Adam is the recipient of the first annual Historic New England Preservation Leadership Award.

Robert Adam is an accomplished craftsman and woodworker. Since the early 1970s he has specialized in preservation and trades education. In 1982 he began teaching at North Bennet Street School’s (NBSS) carpentry program. During the first years at NBSS, he envisioned and developed the Preservation Carpentry Program – now recognized as a model in preservation skills training. With an innovative approach, Robert demonstrated his practical knowledge in the field, with students working on projects at active historic sites. Through his work at NBSS, Robert built key partnerships with iconic New England institutions including the Canterbury Shaker Village, Old Sturbridge Village, Strawbery Banke Museum, Danvers Historical Society, Peabody-Essex Museum, Historic Boston, and the Shirley-Eustis House. He has also been an important mentor to Historic New England staff and has led NBSS classes in the repair of some of Historic New England’s own museum sites.

In conjunction with his work at NBSS, Robert has freely offered his expertise to others, helping nonprofit organizations and small historic house museums. He has worked in a volunteer capacity at numerous organizations, including The Shirley Meeting House, Freedom’s Way National Heritage Corridor, the Vernacular Architecture Forum, the Shirley Historical Commission, and Falmouth Heritage Renewal in Falmouth, Jamaica. Robert’s dedication to preservation trades also led him to the United Kingdom, where he was selected as a scholar with the Attingham Trust (1998), as well as a Fellow with the Quinque Foundation in association with Historic Scotland (2002). He remains closely affiliated with the Early American Industries Association, the Eastfield Foundation, and the Preservation Trades Network.

The 2023 application deadline was July 15. Read program guidelines and apply today.