NILES, Mich. -- The City of Niles, the Niles History Center, and the historic Chapin Mansion were honored by Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer and given a 2025 Governor's Award Historic Preservation during a ceremony hosted by the State Historic Preservation Office on Thursday.

"Their work honors our shared past while creating vibrant spaces where people want to live, work, and invest. Historic preservation is key to our ‘Make it in Michigan’ strategy of supporting jobs, growing local businesses, and fostering pride across our communities.”

Niles was honored for the historic Henry and Ruby Chapin Mansion that was built in downtown Niles in 1884.

The family later gifted the mansion to the city in 1932 to be used for civic purposes, and it became Niles’ City Hall until 2012.

From there, the mansion became part of the Niles History Center as the city’s municipally operated museum.

"Since 2012, more than $1.5 million has been invested into the repair and rehabilitation of the historic features of the mansion property from a combination of state, local, and private sources," a spokesperson for the awards said.

"The Chapin Mansion today hosts annual events, programming, and school and adult tours showcasing regional history. Niles has demonstrated a commitment to the mansion and gone above and beyond in its care, making it a true gem in southwest Michigan."

Now in its 22nd year, the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation program, held annually during National Historic Preservation Month, was created by SHPO to celebrate outstanding historic preservation achievements.

“Each May, the State Historic Preservation Office is proud to recognize outstanding efforts to protect and celebrate Michigan’s rich history through the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation,” said Ryan Schumaker, State Historic Preservation Officer.

“This year’s seven awardees reflect a deep commitment to preserving places that matter, not just for their architectural significance, but for the stories they tell about the people and communities that shaped our state. These projects help ensure that Michigan’s history remains a source of pride, identity, and opportunity for generations to come.”

Seven total projects were awarded across four communities: Niles, Rogers City, Charlevoix, and Detroit.

This year’s event took place in Heritage Hall at the Michigan State Capitol.

From the State Historic Preservation Office:

National Historic Preservation Month was established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help local preservation groups, historical societies, and communities promote historic places and heritage tourism and to demonstrate the social and economic benefits of historic preservation. This year’s award recipients spearheaded projects that saved special places, increased economic activity and have continued to educate residents and visitors about Michigan’s history.

Focused on the historic preservation of culturally or archaeologically significant sites throughout the state, Michigan's State Historic Preservation Office’s main function is to provide technical assistance to local communities and property owners in their efforts to identify, evaluate, designate, interpret and protect Michigan’s historic above- and below-ground resources. SHPO also administers an incentives program that includes state and federal tax credits, and pass-through grants available to certified local governments.