Programs

The 29th Centennial Plaque & Historic Preservation Awards

Sunday, May 4, 2025
2:00 - 4:00 pm

Palo Alto Art Center
1313 Newell Road
Palo Alto

Palo Alto Stanford Heritage (PAST), in association with the Palo Alto Historical Association (PAHA), will host its 29th presentation of Centennial Plaques to owners of circa 1924 buildings in Palo Alto on May 4, 2025. This tradition began in 1994, initiated by the City of Palo Alto's Historic Resources Board during Palo Alto's Centennial celebration, honoring buildings from 1894 and earlier. In 1996, PAST continued the practice, recognizing structures from 1895 and 1896, and introduced its Preservation Awards to celebrate projects that renovate, rehabilitate, or restore the city's historic architecture.

A highlight of this year's event is a presentation by Public Historian and Historic Resources Board Vice Chair Samantha Rohman. She will explore notable preservation and stewardship projects from PAST's 25 years of awards, focusing on the features, stories, and sense of place these properties contribute to Palo Alto. Her talk, "Preserving Sense of Place: Past, Present, and Future," will underscore the enduring value of the city's historic character.

The 2025 Preservation Award will honor the renovated Roth Building, soon to be the Palo Alto History Museum's new home. Owners, architects, contractors, and contributors to this project will be recognized. Additionally, a new accolade, the Bo Crane Award, will debut, presented to David Bower, a former HRB and PAST Board member, for his significant contributions to local historic preservation. Named after Bo Crane—a historian celebrated for his research, lectures, walking tours, and publications—the award will be presented by Crane's widow, Kristen Harrison. PAST Heritage books by Crane will also be available for purchase.

PAST's mission remains dedicated to promoting the preservation of historic architecture, neighborhoods, and the unique identity of greater Palo Alto and Stanford areas. Held annually in May to align with the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Preservation Month, this year's theme, "Harnessing the Power of Place," reflects the focus on 1924 Centennial buildings—a challenging endeavor given the hundreds of permits issued that year.

Join PAST and PAHA as we celebrate Palo Alto's rich heritage, with welcomes from Philip Roberts, an overview by Steve Staiger, and refreshments to conclude the event.

Samantha Rohman, SpeakerRoth Building, 300 Homer Avenue

Upcoming Program

PAHA Annual Celebration: "Night At The Museum"

Wednesday, June 4, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 PM

Palo Alto History Museum
300 Homer Avenue
Palo Alto

Come join us for a fun-filled evening at our PAHA Annual Celebration "Night at the Museum" where you can make a little history of your own!

Be the first to explore the newly renovated Roth Building, home of the long-awaited Palo Alto History Museum. Imagine layers of color, texture, and light encapsulated in this architecturally stunning blank canvas before exhibits are placed.

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to include your voice, your personal Palo Alto history echoing throughout the breathtaking spaces capturing the slices of life—Then and Now—that make our hometown extraordinary. Enjoy tours, live music, food and mingle with fellow history enthusiasts. This is a special moment in time when you can make a little history of your own!

FREE for members* plus one guest

*A $40 PAHA membership includes free admission to our annual event plus one guest.

Not yet a member? Sign up on our website.

Space is limited and RSVPs are required.
Make your reservation before June 1st at Eventbrite.