The Preservation Society of Newport County honored five individuals for their outstanding contributions to the organization’s success during its Annual Meeting on June 13 at The Elms.
Bernard Gewirz, a philanthropist for an array of causes and steadfast supporter of the Preservation Society for more than three decades, was presented with the Antiquarian Award, the society’s highest honor. Capping his long record of service, in 2019 Gewirz established The Bernard and Sarah Gewirz Endowment at the Preservation Society to ensure a strong future for its house museums and landscapes as well as its educational programs.
Gewirz joins a long list of illustrious Antiquarian Award recipients going back to 1957, including Jacqueline Kennedy, Doris Duke, John Nicholas Brown, Harold Stirling Vanderbilt and Julian Fellowes.
The Preservation Society also presented its annual Laurel Awards to the following individuals:
• Horticulture: Chris Fletcher of Bartlett Tree Experts, in recognition of his 28 years of dedicated service, helping the Preservation Society protect and nurture its accredited arboretum of 1,700 specimen trees amid 88 acres of landscapes.
• Artisanship: Gerry Campbell of Newport Window Restoration, in honor of his company’s dedication to impeccable craftsmanship in flawlessly restoring nearly 500 original windows and doors at the Preservation Society’s historic properties.
• Volunteerism: Jane Cary and Jane Gamber, in recognition of the time and expertise they have devoted to ensuring the smooth execution of the judging process at The Newport Flower Show over many years, contributing significantly to its success, excellence and national reputation.
