[OR_Archaeology] James Hamrick to be honored in Portland May 28

[Susan White]

JAMES HAMRICK TO BE HONORED IN MAY PRESENTATION

Longtime historic preservation leader and advocate James Hamrick has been chosen to receive the 2009 McMath Award.  Hamrick served for 25 years in guiding and leading the state of Oregon's heritage conservation efforts.  The award is given each year by the University of Oregon and Venerable Group, Inc. to an individual who exhibits life-long
commitment to historic preservation.  This year's presentation of the award will be held on May 28 at a luncheon at the White Stag Block, 70 N.W. Couch St., Portland. 

An Alabama native, Hamrick received a master's in the history of architecture from the UO in 1979 and was hired by the Oregon State Preservation Office.  Hamrick worked for the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office in various posts, all with increasing responsibility
for guiding preservation policy and programs at the state and national levels.  

As Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's assistant director of the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, Hamrick managed or was a member of policy-making and advisory organizations, including the Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Historic Trails Advisory Council, State Advisory
Committee on Historic Preservation, and Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries. 

He is a past board member of the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, and past Vice President of the Marion Dean Ross Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians. Although he retired in July, Hamrick continues to work for Oregon 150, the non-profit organization charged by Governor Kulongoski with coordinating the 2009
Oregon Sesquicentennial.

The award honors the late George McMath, a preservationist and architect, who is widely remembered as one of the most important figures in the preservation and restoration of Portland's historic buildings.  Proceeds from the McMath Award luncheon provide financial aid for university students enrolled in the master's program in historic preservation.  For more information or to reserve tickets, contact 541-346-3697.