Historic Annapolis is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Historic Annapolis Preservation Award. HA's Preservation Award honors those who have connected the history and culture of our city through historic preservation and education. HA is pleased to will be highlight this year's awardees and celebrating their dedication to historic preservation as advocates, educators, and stewards.
2021 Preservation Award – Marcia Miller for Leadership in Historic Preservation
I first met Marcia Miller twenty-five years ago (wow!) when I was a graduate student at the University of Delaware. My advisor, David Ames, arranged an outing with George Washington University's (GW’s) graduate students to study field methods in architectural documentation. These field trips were all about learning and fun: GW’s program is considered one of the best in the study of vernacular architecture, and the site visit was conducted in partnership with Orlando Ridout V and Marcia Miller, two engaging heritage professionals and educators. The memory of that day that has stuck with me these many years is the rapport between Marcia and Orlando--a mutual respect between kindred spirits. I recall a lively exchange between them while estimating the gable pitch of a barn across the way. Their dynamic energy became more apparent at the Vernacular Architecture Forum convened in Annapolis later that year. Out of the forum came the Architecture in Annapolis field guide, which to this day is considered one of the best resources in the study of Annapolis historic architecture. At the time I had no idea what a gift it was to be able to attend this conference, to be introduced to fieldwork by Orlando and Marcia, and to have this invaluable resource that I still reference regularly.
I have admired Marcia ever since that first meeting. She represents many attributes that I strive to accomplish professionally – high regard by her colleagues, respect for her intellect and knowledge, and recognition for her scholarly contributions. For all these reasons, and with strong encouragement from several of our colleagues, Historic Annapolis is so honored to recognize Marcia Miller with a 2021 Preservation Award for her leadership in historic preservation.
A Marylander since the age of nine, Marcia studied history at Loyola College for her undergraduate degree and holds a master's degree in historic preservation, with a specialization in architectural history from George Washington University. She started her career at the Maryland Historical Society and later worked for the National Park Service before joining the team at the Maryland Historical Trust in 1990 as an architectural historian. Marcia elevated to the position of Chief of the Office of Research, Survey, and Registration in 2013. As Chief, she oversees three operational units that cover architectural research, archaeological research, and cultural information management services. One of the most extraordinary projects she helped manage was the meticulous restoration of the Old Senate Chamber in the Maryland State House from 2007 to 2015.
"Marcia was the lead architectural historian on the restoration of the Old Senate Chamber in the Maryland State House. Leading the team of architectural historians, historians, and craftsmen, she provided an abundance of documentation regarding past appearances of the room. Relying on her personal skills at interpreting surviving physical evidence, many features thought to have been lost were identified and recreated to their original design. Marcia’s strict attention to the smallest of details and her “get it right” approach to the restoration resulted in the room being a masterpiece in the realm of restoration accuracy. The many visitors to the Old Senate Chamber owe much of their authentic experience to Marcia’s massive contributions to the project." –Michael Day
Marcia's talents and curiosity about building systems drew her to fieldwork and architectural investigation, developing a keen interest in 18th century five-part Georgian architecture. Her master's thesis (with Orlando as her advisor) focused on the Chase-Lloyd House, one of the most significant 18th century homes in Annapolis. Her deep knowledge of that building has been invaluable to the research team who are helping Chase Home plan for the long-term preservation of the property. Though she clearly has a soft spot in her heart for Annapolis, her work takes her all over the state. Much of her research has focused on the craftsmen and builders of early Maryland. I especially like this photo of her at His Lordship’s Kindness in Clinton, Maryland, one of her favorite non-Annapolis houses.
"Given the special nature of the Brice House project, it has two particularly demanding requirements: to affect the highest museum-quality restoration possible, and to extract all conceivable evidence of its original appearance to undergird that restoration. As the State’s representative, Marcia is particularly well suited for the role to lead this effort. She brings a depth of experience overseeing quality restorations and is unwavering in her demands to get all the details right – however small or large. She uses her talents as a seasoned architectural investigator – skills she honed over the years studying Maryland’s early architecture – to help work out the nuances of the work. Marcia’s attention to this project, once completed, will undoubtedly lead it to serve as a model for museum administrators who aspire to such excellence." –Willie Graham
Marcia also distinguishes herself as a woman in a relatively male-dominated subset of preservation that directly relates to construction and restoration trades. She is the sole woman among the principal team guiding the state-of-the-art restoration of the James Brice House. She is an advocate for expanding the narrative associated with the property to include the tradespeople who worked and built the house. Marcia is also the only female speaker of the Orlando Ridout V Lecture series (to date). Her deep love for what she does, combined with her knowledge of traditional craftsmanship, is an inspiration to future female preservationists interested in this preservation path.
"Marcia’s leadership in the field of preservation is most clearly demonstrated by her endless willingness to assist the volunteer community of preservationists active in local communities across the State of Maryland. She is never too busy to take a call, offer technical advice or connect a local advocate to the people that can most ably assist in problem resolution. Many grass roots preservation commissions and non-profits are led by women and Marcia’s tireless efforts to elevate their voices and provide an example of career achievement in this field are an inspiration and example to current and future generations." –Sharon Kennedy
Historic Annapolis has the good fortune of attracting great minds in preservation. The fact that we have spectacular buildings such as the Brice House entrusted to us contributes to our fortune. And, with Marcia’s insights into historic trades and construction that she has developed over the years, I'm lucky that 25 years from our first meeting, I'm still a student of hers, still continuously growing in my understanding about vernacular architectural history from Marcia, and it's still all about learning and fun.
Karen Theimer Brown
Senior Vice President, Preservation
