Helen Dedman’s preservation efforts recognized with Ida Lee Willis Award

By Rosalind Turner

Helen Dedman, former chair of James Harrod Trust (JHT) and a founding member of the preservation organization, was named recipient of the 2023 Ida Lee Willis Memorial Award by the Ida Lee Willis Foundation and the Kentucky Heritage Council on May 18 in Maysville.

The Ida Lee Willis Memorial Award goes to the individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the cause of historic preservation. In 2019, philanthropist Milly Ann Stewart of Frankfort was honored for her lifetime of service and philanthropy on behalf of many of Kentucky’s most iconic historic sites including the Stewart Home and School, Liberty Hall and the Orlando Brown House, and the Old State Capitol.

Dedman did not take sole credit for the award. Instead sharing the prestigious award with JHT.

“None of these efforts were my own,” she said. “It was the efforts of the members and board members of the James Harrod Trust, a 23-year-old membership driven organization – my partners in crime. This award is also theirs.”

Dedman thanked her husband, Chuck, and children Dixon Dedman and Becky Dedman Bowling, for their support and encouragement as well as the Kentucky Heritage Council for their enthusiasm and passion for preservation.

“I have met so many people over the years who have inspired me,” she said. “I have stolen their ideas and made them my own. But I especially want to thank my mentor, Barbara Hulette, and my very good friend who encouraged, advised and helped me along the way, David Morgan.

“Thank you all.”

Named for the late Mrs. Willis who was Kentucky’s first state historic preservation officer, the awards have been given since 1979 for the protection, preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings and landscapes, cultural resources, and archaeological sites.

In its 23-year history, JHT has had such success stories as:

·        Preservation of the Dedman Drug Store on Main Street, which it purchased and renovated, later selling it for use as a retail business;

·        Purchase and preservation of Rocky Point, which was renovated as a private residence;

·        preservation of the original Greenville Springs, discovered in 1806 and the last of three running springs that was attracted visitors to Harrodsburg because of its “medicinal powers”;

·        updated the Harrodsburg/Mercer County walking/driving tour;

·        initiated and maintains the historic plague program; and

·        purchase of the Pawling House, which was later sold and is being renovated.

Dedman was chair of JHT for 17 years.

“We are very proud of Helen for receiving this much deserved recognition,” said Jerry Sampson, JHT chair. “She has always been a leading force in JHT success and continues to be as viable today as she was when the organization was chartered.”

The legislature created the Kentucky Heritage Commission (now Kentucky Heritage Council) in 1966 following passage of the National Historic Preservation Act. Board members are Stephen L. Collins of Shelbyville, chair; William Averell of Frankfort, vice chair; Barbara Hulette of Danville, secretary; Robert Griffith of Louisville, treasurer; and Christopher J. Black, Paducah; Marion Forcht, Corbin; Jolene Greenwell and Charles W. Stewart, Frankfort; Alice Willett Heaton, Bardstown; David L. Morgan, Louisville; Donna Horn-Taylor, Springfield; Milton and Anne Thompson, Washington, D.C.; and William Watts of Versailles.

The Ida Lee Willis awards are presented each year during May for National Historic Preservation Month.

“Helen is very deserving of this honor,” said Amalie Preston, JHT charter member and treasurer. “She is committed, along with all of JHT, to preserving our vanishing structures, homes and businesses and keeping all of our historic elements alive for future generations.”