The Great Falls Historical Preservation Advisory Commission has selected four projects, along with those involved in the projects, to be honored this year at the 2011 Preservation Award reception. The event will take place on Thursday, May 12th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at the Civic Center, located at 2 Park Drive South in Great Falls, in the Missouri Room.

The projects being honored at this year's award ceremony includes restoration efforts by Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local # 3 that included maintaining environmental standards during restoration efforts. Improvements to Giant Springs State Park, the most visited state park in Montana, are also being recognized. The restoration efforts preserved and restored many of the historic aspects of the park. Improvements at Giant Springs Heritage Park will also be honored. This includes development of bike and walk trails and protection of historic natural resources.

Stabilization of the United Bethel AME Church bell tower is the final project being recognized at the awards reception. This includes substantial drilling efforts to stabilize the tower and innovative efforts to do so in a way that preserved the historic nature of the area. Carol Place will be recognized for her efforts to promote the history of Great Falls. These efforts have included the Great Falls Historic Trolley and Tour. An innovative way to highlight the history of the area for both locals and visitors. The owners of Columbus Center will be recognized for efforts to identify potential listings for the National Register of Historic Places.

The Preservation Award Reception is an annual event tied into National Historic Preservation Month activities taking place during the month of May. There is no fee to attend the reception. It is open to the public.