Lifetime Achievement Advocacy Award
2025

Dr. Aaron Wunsch has been awarded the Vernacular Architecture Forum’s Lifetime Achievement Advocacy Award for his long-term record of consequential work related to historic preservation and the study of vernacular architecture in Philadelphia and beyond.

Dr. Wunsch fought for historic preservation not just within the confines of academia but also out in the streets of Philadelphia, where he testified at commission hearings, helped organize neighborhood meetings, and often rolled up his sleeves with hammer in hand to provide critical interventions for threatened historic buildings. As the Vernacular Architecture Forum continues to mourn his recent death in September 2024 along with his family and friends, we wish to recognize Dr. Wunsch’s nearly lifelong efforts in advocating for the preservation of the built environment and community engagement that has touched the lives of a significant number of individuals for the better.

He has been described as “one of the most highly regarded historic preservation educators and preservation advocates in the United States,” “a relentless and uncompromising champion for the forgotten or nearly forgotten,” “an inspiration to all of us who love Philadelphia and want to see its history preserved,” and a “fierce, tireless, and nimble advocate for historic sites.” The Vernacular Architecture Forum is pleased to honor one of the most passionate and influential preservation advocates of his generation with this award in 2025.