ORCHIDS AND ONIONS
Nomination applications now open!
Nominate an Individual or Organization for the 47th Annual Orchids and Onions Awards
This year marks the forty-seventh year that Preservation Idaho has hosted the Orchids and Onions Awards, a statewide hallmark, showcasing and celebrating individuals and organizations that have contributed positively to historic preservation, as well as to bring awareness to those projects that have shown insensitivity to Idaho’s cultural history.
We need your input! Your nominations are crucial in recognizing outstanding preservation efforts in our communities.
Please click on the printable nomination form + awards criteria button above to download, complete, and submit your nomination by Friday, June 14, 2024.
We're excited to see your nominations and celebrate those making a difference!
47th Annual Awards Ceremony + reception
Join us in a celebration that honors both the past and the future of historic preservation in Idaho!
Recognition and celebration of historic preservation “done right” is too important to let slip by! The Onion is also an important way to highlight when things are “done wrong” when they didn’t have to be.
Orchids
Outstanding examples of preservation projects or practices can be awarded in the following categories:
Building Projects & Programs
Excellence in Historic Preservation: Awarded to projects that have demonstrated outstanding adherence to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards in preservation, restoration, renovation, or adaptive reuse (residential or commercial).
Contribution to Historic Preservation: Awarded to projects that have been successful in the tasteful restoration, addition, or remodel of an existing building (residential or commercial).
Preservation-Sensitive New Construction: Awarded to new construction that enhances a historic neighborhood or historical theme (residential or commercial).
Cultural Heritage Preservation: Awarded to educational programs and projects that have made a positive impact toward the preservation of cultural heritage and open spaces, as well as the restoration and rehabilitation of historic landmarks and roadside architecture.
Individuals & Organizations
Friend of Preservation: Awarded to non-professional individuals distinguished for service in historic preservation. This would include, but would not be limited to, those who volunteer for preservation organizations, historical societies, or museums.
Distinguished Preservationist: Awarded to professionals distinguished for service in historic preservation. Nominees for this award would be those whose job it is to further the cause of Historic Preservation in Idaho through direct projects or education.
Heritage Stewardship: Awarded to organizations or individuals that have shown dedication to historic preservation through the long-term maintenance and care of historic, architecturally significant, or culturally important sites and structures.
Scott Chandler Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship: Awarded to individuals worthy of acknowledgment for their body of work and contributions to their craft. This award is in memoriam to Scott Chandler, who embodied attention to detail, commitment to quality and integrity, and dedication to historic preservation.
Onions
Examples of projects or programs insensitive to historic preservation can be awarded to individuals or corporations who demolish historically significant buildings or sites, or new construction that is insensitive or ignorant of the neighborhood’s history.
Nomination Details for the 47th Annual Orchids and Onions Awards
Nomination Deadline: All submissions must be received by Friday, June 14, 2024.
Nomination Fee: There is a $50.00 fee per nomination, which can be paid online here: Pay Nomination Fee. An additional $3.50 fee applies to online credit card payments. To avoid this fee, you can mail a check to Preservation Idaho, P.O. Box 1495, Boise, ID 83701. Please indicate that your check is for the Orchids and Onions nomination fee.
Multiple Nominations: You are welcome to nominate multiple individuals or groups. If nominating the same individual or group for multiple awards, please complete a separate form for each nomination. Ensure that you attach supporting documentation and choose the appropriate award category for each nominee.
Review and Selection Process: Nominations will be evaluated by an independent review committee comprised of preservationists, historians, and architects. This committee will assess each nomination's suitability for the specified award category.
Awards Ceremony: The awards will be presented at the 47th Annual Orchids & Onions Awards Ceremony on August 10, 2024 at the Purpose Center in Pocatello.
Awardee Benefits:
A custom archival-quality award certificate (giclée print), suitable for framing.
With each awarded nomination, two (2) complimentary tickets to the awards ceremony will be made available to the awardee, with the option to purchase additional tickets. Please provide the names of attendees.
A photo opportunity with the President of Preservation Idaho during the awards presentation.
Inclusion in press releases and recognition on the Preservation Idaho website and e-newsletter.
A feature in a PowerPoint presentation at the ceremony, highlighting the project or individual.
A spotlight story on Facebook and Instagram, complete with photos and a link to the awardee’s website.
Further Inquiries: For any questions regarding the nominations or the awards ceremony, please contact kellie@preservationidaho.org or call 208-424-5111.
Important Dates
April 2024: Nomination applications open.
April 2024: Tickets for the Awards Ceremony + Reception become available for purchase.
Friday, June 14, 2024, 11:59 PM MST: Deadline for submitting nomination applications.
Early July 2024: Winners will be notified and announced publicly.
Saturday, August 10, 2024: Join us for the Orchids and Onions Awards Ceremony at the Purpose Center in Pocatello.
You can access the printable nomination form and find more details about the criteria for the Orchids and Onions awards HERE. Information about past recipients is also available HERE.
Join Us for the 47th Annual Orchids and Onions Awards Ceremony + reception!
When: Saturday, August 10th, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Where: Purpose Center 224 N. Main Street, Pocatello, Idaho 83204
Event Schedule:
12:00 PM: Doors open
12:30 PM: Awards presentation by volunteer and emcee, Dan Everhart
Following the Presentation: Buffet lunch with beer and wine
Event Highlights:
Awards Ceremony: Celebrating the positive contributions to historic preservation and highlighting projects that may have not fully honored Idaho's cultural heritage. Orchids and Onions began in 1977 and continues to be a pivotal event for awareness and celebration of historic preservation in Idaho.
Reception: Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch accompanied by selections of beer and wine.
Optional Self-Guided Tour: Explore the Purpose Center during the event, recipient of the 2023 Orchid Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation.
Tickets:
Preservation Idaho Members: $20 per person
Non-Members: $25 per person
Note: Credit card processing fees apply. All tickets must be purchased in advance.
Member Discount: Preservation Idaho members can log in for member benefits to access a $5 discount on ticket prices, click LOGIN FOR MEMBER BENEFITS to access and purchase through your online membership account.
For tickets by phone and for more information, please contact us at kellie@preservationidaho.org or call (208) 424-5111.
TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE!
A special thanks to THE PURPOSE CENTER for sponsoring the venue for this important event.
Introducing the Purpose Center, a stunning renovation of one of Pocatello’s iconic historic buildings.
The historic Petersen Building, originally built in 1913 and owned by T.C. Martin, hosted Petersen Furniture from 1921 until the 1990s. In the late 1990s it was acquired and turned into Scott’s Ski and Sport. The Purpose Center is a reimagining of an architectural classic that remains true to its 20th century design while creating a warm and inviting space for generations to come. In 2023, the Purpose Center received an Orchid Award in the Excellence in Historic Preservation category.
With special thanks to Roots Family History. “Roots Family History is saving our legacy. Our history is kept on a combination of fragile video tapes, film reels, photographs, negatives, scrapbooks, journals, and art. We aim to archive and preserve as much of it as possible. Welcome to the Family History revolution.”