The Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas recognized recipients of the 2014 Arkansas Preservation Awards during its annual awards ceremony Jan. 9 at the Annunciation Cultural Center in Little Rock.

Each year, the event recognizes individuals and organizations dedicated to the important work throughout the state to preserve and protect places of historical or cultural importance.

Among the honorable mention award recipients for Preservation through Restoration was University of Arkansas at Little Rock Professor of History Johanna Miller Lewis, who accepted the award for work at the Rohwer Relocation Camp Cemetery in Desha County.

Lewis has been involved in the restoration of the two most iconic monuments at the cemetery, the last physical remnant of the World War II Japanese American confinement site at Rohwer.

Her work on the cemetery dates back to 2004, with the end of the Life Interrupted Project, which focused on the Japanese American experience in World War II Arkansas.

Dr. Lewis accepted the award on behalf of the project team, including WER Architects/Planners and Kinco Constructors. She also serves as an interim associate dean in the UALR College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences.

For her work, Lewis has been recognized with many other awards, including The Oakley Certificate of Merit, for work that fosters appreciation of the cultural significance of gravestones and burying grounds through study and preservation.

Honorees and guests celebrated with a reception and banquet at the Annunciation Cultural Center followed by a program recognizing award-winning projects. Matt DeCample served as master of ceremonies for the event.

The Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas is the only statewide non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Arkansas’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Get the latest news sent directly to your email inbox.