LAKELAND, Fla. (June 7, 2005) – Dr. James M. Denham, history professor and director of Florida Southern’s Center for Florida History, received the Preservationist of the Year award at the City of Lakeland’s Historic Preservation Board and Historic Lakeland, Inc. annual awards ceremony held May 9. The event took place at the historic Sorosis Building on Lake Morton.

Denham was recognized for his efforts in promoting Florida and Polk County history, bringing to the community an awareness of Lakeland’s heritage and the importance of preserving it. He assisted in producing a quarterly newsletter, The Lakeland Historical Quarterly, which keeps the community informed of historic preservation-related events.

“Since coming to Lakeland in 1991, Dr. Denham has taken an active part in supporting varied local history and preservation efforts in our community,” said David Rubin, co-chairman of the Historic Preservation Board, and chairman of the board’s design review committee. “These interests continued in 1997 when he joined the board of directors of Historic Lakeland, Inc., serving as its president from 2001-2003.” Denham also serves on the Polk County Historical Commission and is vice president of the Polk County Historical Association.

Each year, during Historic Preservation Week, the City of Lakeland’s Historic Preservation Board and Historic Lakeland, Inc. combine their efforts to recognize excellent projects accomplished during the previous calendar year of historic rehabilitation projects, new construction that is complementary to its historic surroundings, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the historic preservation program.


About Florida Southern College
Founded in 1885, Florida Southern College is a private, comprehensive, United Methodist college with a liberal arts core. The college maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 38 undergraduate majors and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, and nursing. Florida Southern has a 14:1 student/faculty ratio, provides strong student/faculty mentorship programs, boasts 25 NCAA Division II national championships, and is ranked by U. S. News and World Report as one of the top ten Southern Comprehensive Colleges-Bachelors. Located on scenic Lake Hollingsworth, Florida Southern is the home of the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.