The Washington state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) is seeking nominations for its 22nd Annual Awards for Outstanding Achievements in Historic Preservation.

The awards program recognizes persons, organizations, and projects that have achieved distinction in the field of historic preservation. Award recipients will be recognized at a ceremony held during National Historic Preservation Month, May 2012. The ceremony is sponsored by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and will take place on Tues., May 8, in the Columbia Room of the Legislative Building on the Capitol Campus in Olympia.

Nominations can be made in one of the following categories: historic preservation planning, historic property rehabilitation projects, career achievement, public education, stewardship, special achievement and media. New this year is the category of Cemetery Achievement. A nominee in this category should demonstrate outstanding career achievement, stewardship, or a completed preservation effort in the context of preserving a historic cemetery.

Nominations for the State Historic Preservation Officers Awards must be postmarked or submitted to DAHP by Friday, March 9, 2012 at 5 p.m.  Nomination forms, instructions and other information about the awards may be obtained by visiting www.dahp.wa.gov, or by contacting Russell Holter at 360.586.3533 or russell.holter@dahp.wa.gov.