Elizabeth Welcome Station Wins National Preservation Award

The Elizabeth Welcome Station, opened just last month as a cultural gateway honoring the city's diverse heritage, has already garnered national attention. The Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award – named for the nationally recognized architectural artist whose work has elevated preservation efforts across the country – was presented to the City of Elizabeth on Thursday afternoon, at the Elizabeth History, Heritage & the Arts event, for the exemplary work demonstrated by revitalizing this historic structure and transforming it into a welcoming entry point for residents and visitors alike. Ms. Collins explained, "A building with history has a story and once it is destroyed it is lost forever. With this award I recognize the City of Elizabeth for setting a stellar example of historical stewardship by preserving and transforming this landmark to tell the story of not only the built things surrounding us, but more importantly, the people who made them so." Honorable Mayor J. Christian Bollwage accepted the award on behalf of the City of Elizabeth, sharing that the city values its history while building for the future, and that preserving heritage strengthens identity for generations to come. The award presentation was followed by a panel discussion, Painting the Past Forward: How Art and Historic Stewardship Keep Community Stories Alive, moderated by the caretaker of the L. Ron Hubbard Elizabeth, NJ Historic Home. The panel brought together community leaders including Union County Commissioner Stan Neron, History Programs Coordinator John Prescott, Boxwood Hall State Historic Site caretaker Katherine Craig, and national architectural artist Leisa Collins. They discussed how art, cultural storytelling, and historic preservation work together to illuminate untold stories, strengthen community identity, and build local pride. The panel emphasized the need to remedy the trend of disregard for cultural past, inspiring individuals to get involved and pass it forward. As the event concluded, guests explored the newly unveiled Historic Homes & Buildings of Elizabeth exhibit inside the Elizabeth Welcome Station, showcasing the city's historic structures and landmarks. The station is open to visitors through the GoElizabethNJ250 initiative, transforming from a transportation hub to a cultural gateway. For more information, visit the Elizabeth Welcome Station page. Also, learn about the L. Ron Hubbard historic site at L. Ron Hubbard Elizabeth, NJ Historic Home.