Zoar levee project earns national preservation award

The Zoar Village National Historic Landmark Levee Project has won the National Trust/Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Award for Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation. The honor was presented Sept. 16, by the National Trust for Historic Preservation at the 2025 National Preservation Awards.

The award recognizes projects in which a federal agency and nonfederal partners, including tribes, achieve exemplary preservation outcomes.

“We are proud to honor the Zoar Village National Historic Landmark Levee Project and all those who worked tirelessly to steward it,” said Travis Voyles, acting chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. “Throughout the project, the Army Corps of Engineers truly understood the historic value of Zoar Village, emphasized public communication and maintained visitor access to the historic buildings. We applaud the unparalleled dedication and commitment of the project partners to protect this historic Ohio community.”

Over nearly two decades, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers worked with partners including the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office, Ohio History Connection, Zoar Community Association, Ohio Archaeological Council and Ohio & Erie Canalway Association to complete the $14 million levee repair project in 2023.

The project included repairs to many of Zoar’s historic buildings, preventing the relocation or demolition of as much as 80% of the village.

“We’re so honored to be a partner recognized in this award and are glad to have our village and its history preserved for future generations of visitors,” said Tammi Shrum, Historic Zoar Village site director.