The Newport Restoration Foundation is seeking nominations for the 2026 Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards, marking the 20th anniversary of the joint program between the NRF and the City of Newport.
The annual awards recognize exemplary historic preservation projects that carry forward the legacy of Doris Duke and have had a significant impact on the cultural and historic fabric of Newport, Jamestown, Middletown and Portsmouth. The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, May 1, 2026.
Organizers are encouraging the local community to nominate best-practice preservation projects completed within the last three years that have added value to the character of the community. Eligible recipients include private homeowners; nonprofit or for-profit organizations; and federal, state or local agencies.
A wide range of nominations of varying sizes and budgets are encouraged — from small buildings to large, major rehabilitations to minor restorations, landscapes or site designs, and education or advocacy initiatives. Projects reflecting craftsmanship, training the next generation of preservation tradespeople, resiliency and energy efficiency, proactive maintenance, visible community impact or advancing community needs will receive particular attention.
All work related to a nominated project or initiative must have been completed within the last three years, or be an ongoing program or educational initiative. Properties currently listed for sale — or anticipated to be — will not be considered.
Winners will be acknowledged at an awards event on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.
Further information about the nomination process can be found at newportrestoration.org/DDPA or by emailing NRF Preservation Projects Manager Margaret Back at margaret@newportrestoration.org.
