Guilford Free Library and the Guilford Preservation Alliance (GPA) present “What’s New with What’s Old: Guilford’s Architectural Preservation” on Wednesday, June 17 at 7 p.m. at Guilford Free Library, 67 Park Street. Architectural historian Kristen Nietering, a Guilford native and project manager for Historic Barns of Connecticut, and Jordan Sorenson of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation will deliver this illustrated talk on new architectural additions to the GPA’s inventory of significant structures. Their presentation will include an architectural overview of the houses that were researched, most of which date from the 19th- and early- to mid-20th centuries. Anecdotes of the buildings and the people who used them, interesting histories of the properties, and recent and historic photographs will be featured. The talk, which is cosponsored by the GPA, will be followed by the presentation of GPA awards to outstanding individuals and groups who have demonstrated a commitment to preserve and protect the built and natural heritage of Guilford.

The Award of Merit is given to commend the sensitive restoration or creative re-use of an existing building or structure of historical or architectural significance or for a new building demonstrating particular sensitivity to its surroundings. The recipients of this award are Eamon Roche and Sarah Blanton for the restoration of their house at 34 Broad Street, and Terry Wall for the restoration of his historic barn at 645 Great Hill Road.

The Jane Berger Award will be presented to individuals or groups who have contributed to the preservation of buildings or neighborhoods either by direct involvement in a preservation project or by effecting through their influence the preservation of the character of Guilford. The recipient of this award is Jonathan Wuerth for restoring and preserving old barns and houses.

A Letter of Appreciation is awarded for recognizing a group or individual for providing a service to or enhancing the character and quality of life in Guilford. This award will be given to the Guilford Garden Club for the creation of a park around the foundation of Rollwood on Stonehouse Road. A Letter of Appreciation will also be given to the 375th Anniversary Celebration Committee. Members include Veronica Wallace, Joe Mazza, Brian McGlone, Carl Balestracci, Edwin Bartlett, Gene Bishop, Lisa Calderone, Anita Catardi, Roberta Flamery, Margaret Livingston, Paul Mei, Stephen Page, Heidi Samuelson, Karen Stephens, and Janet Testa. Edie Brown will receive a Letter of Appreciation for her part in the planning and carrying out of the Civil War Reeactment.

The Charles Hubbard Award is for an individual in recognition of long-standing service to the historic preservation of Guilford through work of a scholarly nature or relating to the history of Guilford. This year the award will go to Tracy Tomaselli for her scholarly work on Civil War soldiers.

The Marjory Schmidt Award is for a distinguished body of work devoted to the enhancement and preservation of Guilford’s uncommonly beautiful meadows, woods, and marshes through the Nature Conservancy, the Guilford Land Conservation Trust and the Guilford Land Acquisition Committee. Paul Mei will receive this award for extending the New England Trail from the East River Preserve to Chittenden Beach.

This program is free and open to the public. Register in person at the reference desk, by calling 203-453-8282, or by visiting www.guilfordfreelibrary.org.