Alexandria Seeks Nominations for Brenman Archaeology Award

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) is now accepting nominations for the Bernard “Ben” Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award, which honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to preserving, protecting, and promoting Alexandria’s archaeological heritage.

Established in 2007, the award recognizes excellence in archaeological research, site preservation, education, public interpretation, conservation, historic open space design, and community engagement. Nominations are open to businesses, organizations, families, professional preservationists, volunteers, students, and other individuals whose work has advanced the understanding and appreciation of Alexandria’s history.

Nomination forms are available at alexandriava.gov/archaeology/ben-brenman-award-for-archaeology or by calling the Alexandria Archaeology Museum at 703.746.4399. The nomination deadline is Wednesday, July 1.

Honoring Ben Brenman’s Legacy

The award is named in honor of Col. Bernard “Ben” Brenman, USA (Ret.), a passionate advocate for historic preservation and public archaeology in Alexandria. Brenman was a founding member of the Alexandria Archaeological Commission in 1975 and served as its chair for 21 years.

His influence can be seen throughout the city, from historic parks and heritage trails to Alexandria’s nationally recognized Archaeology Protection Code, the first municipal archaeology protection ordinance in the United States. Brenman championed public access to history and worked to ensure that people of all ages could engage with and benefit from archaeology.

Award Eligibility and Selection

The Brenman Award is open to individuals, families, organizations, businesses, educational institutions, developers, professional archaeologists, civic groups, government agencies, and others who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation, or achievement in preserving and promoting Alexandria’s archaeological resources.

City residency is not required.

Nominations must be submitted in writing and should describe the nominee’s accomplishments and their impact on archaeological preservation, research, education, public appreciation, or protection of historic sites and open spaces.

The Alexandria Archaeological Commission reviews nominations annually and retains sole discretion in determining award recipients. An award recipient may not be selected every year.

Recent Recipients

Recent Brenman Award recipients include Carr Properties, Marian Van Landingham, Archaeology Summer Camp counselors, EYA RTS Construction, LLC, AECOM, the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory, the African American Heritage Trail Committee, Eagle Scout Griffin Burchard, the Fort Ward Interpretive Committee, community historian McArthur Myers, retired City Archaeologist Francine Bromberg, preservation advocate S. Kathleen Pepper, volunteer Anna Lynch, and preservation advocate Bill Dickinson.

Award Presentation

Recipients are recognized during Virginia Archaeology Month in October. Award winners are announced through a proclamation by Alexandria City Council during a City Council meeting.

About the Alexandria Archaeological Commission

Appointed by City Council, the 15-member Alexandria Archaeological Commission develops goals and priorities for preserving the city’s archaeological heritage. The commission works with residents, educators, developers, and government agencies to advance archaeological research, education, and preservation throughout Alexandria.

For reasonable disability accommodations, contact Nicole Quinn at [email protected] or call 703.746.4554 (Virginia Relay 711).

Free interpretation and translation services are available by emailing [email protected] or calling 703.746.3960.