The Maryland Historical Trust recently honored 14 projects, organizations and individuals around the state with the 2012 Maryland Preservation Awards, including two in Annapolis.

The annual awards are considered the highest level of recognition for historic preservation and heritage education projects in Maryland, according to a release.

“Each award highlights an important and unique aspect of historic preservation and the important and powerful ways that historic places can impact our lives and communities,” Harrison B. Wetherill Jr., of Annapolis, chairman of the board of trustees, said in a release.

Here's the Annapolis projects that received the award from the release:

• Excellence in Media and Publications—"Annapolis: City on the Severn, A History"
  The recipients were Jane Wilson McWilliams, Johns Hopkins University Press, Four Rivers Heritage Area, Annapolis Maritime Museum, The Asgard of Maryland, and The Annapolis History Consortium.
  McWilliams' work presents 325 years of Annapolis in a work both scholarly and accessible. Published by the Johns Hopkins University Press and the Maryland Historical Trust Press, it is the first comprehensive history of Annapolis from settlement in the mid-seventeenth century to modern-day maturity and the only one to fully reference the sources used.
  The book covers the political, social, ethnic, cultural, and religious aspects of the city as they evolved over time. Central to the story are the physical development of Annapolis and its relationship, both geographical and political, to Anne Arundel County, to the state and to the nation.
  This compendium will serve as the reference manual on Annapolis history for years to come.
• Outstanding Organizational Leadership at the Local Level—Four Rivers Heritage Area; Carol Benson, Pat Barland, Donna Ware and Donna
  Hole.
  Currently celebrating its 10th anniversary, Four Rivers Heritage Area is one of the leading heritage areas in Maryland. The organization has developed innovative programs and projects, including familiarization tours to South County heritage sites for key stakeholders, workshops for interpreters in collaboration with Historic London Town and Anne Arundel County Public Schools, and a variety of educational publications.
  Additionally, Four Rivers has formed committees focusing on new priorities outlined in the organization’s five-year action plan. These committees are developing new ways to cross-promote historic sites and broaden the reach of existing educational programs.
  The organization has led through empowering others—heritage sites, students, and community leaders—to be successful in advancing the public's appreciation, understanding and involvement in historic preservation and the conservation of living traditions.

“These individuals and projects represent the best in heritage education, community revitalization, and volunteerism in Maryland,” Wetherill said.

For more information about the Maryland Preservation Awards visit mht.maryland.gov/awards.html.

The recipients were selected by nominations submitted from across the state. The board considers a variety of factors including community impact, adherence to best practices, and innovation, according to a release.