The Tennessee Historical Commission presented its 2026 Certificate of Merit Awards during National Preservation Month, recognizing outstanding efforts in historic preservation and the study of Tennessee history. Among the Historic Preservation category recipients, Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park was honored for the successful preservation and renovation of the Honeymoon House in Pall Mall.

Built in 1940, the modest home originally served as the residence for Alvin York Jr. and his new bride. The park undertook extensive work to restore the property, including rebuilding windows, securing floors, repairing the roof, and replicating the original siding. These efforts have stabilized the structure and enabled its adaptive reuse as office space, ensuring the historic home’s continued service while preserving its connection to the York family legacy.

Other awardees in the same category included Belmont Mansion for its Billiards Room restoration, various individuals and groups for cemetery repairs and National Register nominations, and several organizations for rehabilitating historic buildings such as the former U.S. Post Office in Springfield and Two Rivers Mansion in Nashville. Additional honors recognized publications, public programming, and special community efforts across the state.