31 Oct Former Richmond Mayor Lauded by National Trust for Historic Preservation

Former Richmond Mayor Tom Butt was honored Monday by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

By Michael J. Fitzgerald

Former Richmond Mayor Tom Butt was named winner of the Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award on Monday in New Orleans for his many decades of efforts working on historic preservation in numerous areas.

The award is the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s highest national honor, an organization spokesman said. The award was established in 1960.

In making the award, the National Trust said that for more than 50 years, Butt has made a “significant impact” on historic preservation as a legislator, mayor of Richmond, author, volunteer, developer and activist.

The National Trust pointed to his successful work in lighthouse preservation that led to the adoption of new U.S. Coast Guard policy. Of special note was Butt’s role in the founding of the Rosie the Riveter Trust, which helped bring national recognition of American workers during World War II, significantly including women and minorities.

He was also honored for his work in revitalizing the city of Richmond and helping it achieve a preservation agenda.

Among the speakers and presenters of the award were President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation Carol Quillen, Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, and U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy.

Elliot Carter of the National Trust said an award is only given if there is a clear demonstration of outstanding achievement and contributions to the historic preservation field.

“Mr. Butt has been making an impact locally and nationally for the past 50 years, and his lifetime of work truly embodies the spirit of this award,” Carter said.

In the official award announcement, the National Trust said Butt transformed Richmond from “a town in decline with no preservation agenda to a recognized national leader in preservation that has revitalized the city.”

Former Richmond Mayor Rosemary Corbin said city has been very lucky to have Tom Butt, who has spent decades preserving our city’s long, rich history.

“He teamed up with Lucretia Edwards to save the East Brother Lighthouse, The Ford Building, Pt. Molate, & the Pt. Richmond Historic District, among other resources, and he follows through to see that they are properly maintained,” Corbin said. “He was instrumental in the development of our Rosie the Riveter National Park and the Bed & Breakfast at the Lighthouse. He is very bright, a good writer, and a tireless supporter of Richmond, and he was a great mayor.”

Butt said he was humbled to receive the award and that it meant a lot personally and to the city.

“The best thing it can do for me, and Richmond, is the public recognition of the kind of things we have done here are important and credible,” he said.