The Troup County Historical Society has received a state preservation award for its renovation of its building on Main Street as the community’s first history museum.

The society received the Excellence in Stewardship award from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation at recent ceremonies in Augusta.

The Neoclassical building in LaGrange’s commercial historic district houses the society and the Troup County archives. It was designed by Hoggson Brothers, noted bank architects from New York. Atlanta architects Ivey and Crook designed the building’s three-story extension in 1940 during the time the LaGrange National Bank and Citizens & Southern Bank occupied it. The building functioned as a bank from 1917 through 1968 and later served various businesses before becoming the archives in 1983.

In the 26 years the Historical Society has occupied the building, it has maintained records and documents, research areas and displays. In 2007, a rehabilitation project included the installation of a new roof and sprinkler system, updating electrical wiring and plumbing, in-stalling new heating and air conditioning systems, re-working landscaping and the addition of new signage.

Other significant interior work included the addition of a permanent display, Legacy Museum on Main, and the creation of rotating exhibit space, currently housing an exhibit on Troup County veterans of World War II.

“The rehabilitation of this building by its longtime stewards, Troup County Historical Society, greatly contributes to the overall revitalization of downtown LaGrange,” the recognition from the Georgia Trust said.

For 31 years, the trust has recognized preservation projects and individuals in the state who have made significant contributions to the field of historic preservation. Awards are presented on the basis of the contributions of the person or project to the community and/or state and on compliance to the secretary of the interior’s standards for rehabilitation.

Excellence in Stewardship awards recognize those who have ensured the preservation of historic properties through long-term care and maintenance, stabilization, protection or continuous family ownership.

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is one of the country’s largest statewide, nonprofit preservation organizations. Founded in 1973, the trust is committed to preserving and enhancing Georgia’s communities and their diverse historic resources the education and enjoyment of all.