ELIZABETH, NJ, July 29, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — The Elizabeth Welcome Station, opened just last month as a cultural gateway honoring the city’s diverse heritage, has already garnered national attention. The Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award – named for the nationally recognized architectural artist whose work has elevated preservation efforts across the country – was presented to the City of Elizabeth on Thursday afternoon, at the Elizabeth History, Heritage & the Arts event, for the exemplary work demonstrated by revitalizing this historic structure and transforming it into a welcoming entry point for residents and visitors alike.
Ms. Collins explained, “A building with history has a story and once it is destroyed it is lost forever. With this award I recognize the City of Elizabeth for setting a stellar example of historical stewardship by preserving and transforming this landmark to tell the story of not only the built things surrounding us, but more importantly, the people who made them so.”
Honorable Mayor J. Christian Bollwage accepted the award on behalf of the City of Elizabeth.
He shared: “Elizabeth has always been a city that values its history while continuing to build for the future. This event celebrates the people, places and stories that have shaped our community and reminds us that preserving our heritage strengthens our identity for generations to come. We are honored to receive this recognition and to welcome residents and visitors to experience the new Historic Buildings of Elizabeth exhibit.”
The award presentation was followed by a panel discussion, Painting the Past Forward: How Art and Historic Stewardship Keep Community Stories Alive. Moderated by the caretaker of the L. Ron Hubbard Elizabeth, NJ Historic Home, the panel brought together well known and respected community leaders who shared insights on how art, cultural storytelling, and historic preservation work together to illuminate untold stories, strengthen community identity, empower individuals and build local pride. In a world moving faster and faster into the future—where disregard for our cultural past has become an urgent issue—the panel emphasized the need to effectively remedy this trend to preserve, inspire and encourage our community, reflecting on the power of the arts not only to safeguard history, but to engage and inspire individuals to get involved and pass it forward to future generations.
Panelist, Union County Commissioner and Elizabeth Recreation Director Stan Neron brought his experience in public service, cultural enrichment, and community involvement to the discussion. As a board member of the 313+ Ancestors Speak Project, he highlighted the power of art and history to inspire, empower and enrich our culture, and shared insight on the communication and engagement required to inspire others to get involved.
Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs History Programs Coordinator Mr. John Prescott also served on the panel, sharing insights from his projects and programs with community groups to create dynamic programs that educate the public about the remarkable history of Union County, develop history initiatives, and organize historical activities. He shared his passion for history, illuminating how this topic spans all fields of learning and the importance of taking personal initiative to get involved.
Focusing on keeping humanity at the center of our storytelling, panelist Ms. Katherine Craig—Caretaker of the Boxwood Hall State Historic Site in Elizabeth, NJ—added perspective from her experience designing and presenting historical programs and her success in leading the site’s public engagement across all age groups. She shared her experience in diverse programs and exhibits to engage individuals of many different interests and thus increase appreciation for history and preservation.
Joining the local panelists was nationally acclaimed architectural artist Ms. Leisa Collins, known for her efforts to document and advocate for historic architecture, who shared her insights and her passion for the power of art to preserve and enrich communities and culture. She shared how the use of art can preserve the character of historic places and elevate the stories of the people who lived them, shaping how cultural history is sustained and passed forward.
Finally, as the event drew to a close, Rev. Massimo Parrino, President of the L. Ron Hubbard Foundation, presented an Award of Cultural Leadership to Ms. Jennifer Costa and the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, in appreciation for their collaboration in the planning of this joint event, and to recognize their longstanding dedication to cultural stewardship and commitment to strengthening the community. “This award honors those who exemplify the philosophy L. Ron Hubbard followed himself—to share what wisdom he has, and to help others help themselves,” Rev. Parrino said.
As the event concluded, guests made their way inside the Elizabeth Welcome Station for a closer look at the newly unveiled Historic Homes & Buildings of Elizabeth exhibit. The exhibit showcases the city’s historic structures and treasured landmarks, offering an even deeper understanding of Elizabeth’s rich history and its legacy as the “City of Firsts”—a place where so much of our nation’s story began.
The Elizabeth Welcome Station is open to visitors to explore the city’s history, culture, and community through the GoElizabethNJ250 initiative. Its transformation reflects a shift from transportation hub to cultural gateway, linking the movement of the past with the discovery of the present and inviting all who enter to engage with the stories that continue to shape Elizabeth.
For more information visit: https://www.goelizabethnj.com/things-to-do/attractions/historic-sites/elizabeth-station-welcome-center/.
For more information about the L. Ron Hubbard historic site in Elizabeth, New Jersey, visit https://www.lronhubbard.org/landmark-sites/aberdeen-road.html.
The L. Ron Hubbard Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the accurate historical record of L. Ron Hubbard’s research into the human mind and spirit, while encouraging the application of his discoveries to address social and scientific challenges and uplift cultures of all backgrounds.
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