May 26, 2009

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) today announced that HAL Regulatory Affairs Director Nick Bozen is the recipient of the 2009 Citizen Award from the Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN). The MHPN presented the award - recognizing outstanding individuals who, through personal effort and/or involvement in historic preservation projects, have made a significant contribution to preserving Michigan's heritage - during its annual preservation conference in Grand Rapids on May 15.

Reasons the MHPN cited for honoring Bozen, a Lansing resident, include his three decades of advocacy and legal guidance on preservation activities, his service as regulatory affairs officer for the State Historic Preservation Office and his leadership in helping usher in crucial preservation-related legislation, including updates to the Local Historic Districts Act in 1992 and 2008, passage of the key state historic preservation tax credit in 1999 and the expansion of the credit in 2008.

"As we celebrate National Historic Preservation Month, this award is a fitting salute to someone like Nick whose hard work and savvy have truly helped preservation succeed in Michigan," said HAL Acting Director Mark Hoffman. "We see the impact of his contributions in the many preservation projects that not only keep our state's unique historic character alive but pump millions of dollars into our economy every year."

"To say Nick is knowledgeable about preservation is a vast understatement," said Janet Kreger, vice-president of the MHPN board of directors. "We recognize through this Citizen Award how his diligence - always behind the scenes, always quietly and methodically - has created a body of work that establishes and protects the very underpinnings of historic preservation in Michigan."

Bozen received one of two 2009 Citizen Awards. MHPN presented the other award to Jon Carlson and Greg Lobdell of Ann Arbor for their protection of the Bowers Harbor Inn and surrounding property in Traverse City.

Founded in 1979, the Michigan Historic Preservation Network is the largest membership organization in the state dedicated to recognizing and preserving Michigan's rich cultural and architectural heritage. To learn more, visit www.mhpn.org.

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries is dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity. The department includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Historical Center. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).