Former President of the Kirkland Heritage Society, Bob Burke was recently recognized for his historic preservation efforts within the City of Kirkland.

Burke was given the “Governors Advisory Council Chairman Award” at Heritage Hall during the Washington State Advisory Council on Historic Preservation meeting Oct. 17. Chair of the Council Jack Williams presented the award to Burke, also a retired architect and urban plannerb for his contributions in historic preservation, including:

* He put together a publication “Historic Preservation – City of Kirkland” that won an award for the Kirkland Heritage Society (KHS) and the City from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation;

* Convinced the City to sign an Interlocal Agreement with King County;

* Continues to encourage the incorporation of neighborhood histories in the Comprehensive Plan;

* In 1997, established a need for a permanent space for KHS;

* 1998-99 convinced the City to accept and save the First Christian Science Church of Kirkland, which is now Heritage Hall;

* With KHS raised $250,000 for the restoration/renovation of Heritage Hall;

* With volunteers built the lower floor for the Heritage Society Resource Center;

* 2004 negotiated and signed a lease wit the City, KHS moved into the Heritage Resource Center;

* 1994-95 convinced the City to put into the Comprehensive Plan a policy to celebrate 2005 – Kirkland’s 100th anniversary of incorporation;

* With volunteers organized, expanded collections, and prepared exhibits for the Centennial Celebration; and

* Helped organize the “Peter Kirk Family Reunion”.

Over the years with Bob has raised the public awareness of the positive aspects of historic preservation and has enhanced the Kirkland Heritage Society image within the Kirkland community.

For more information about the Kirkland Heritage Society, visit www.kirklandheritage.org or call 425-827-3446.