Join us as we celebrate the 2026 Herschel Shepard Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation, Thursday, May 7, from 5:30p.m.-7:30p.m.

The St. Augustine Historical Society is proud to announce that Gordon J. “Gordie” Wilson has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Herschel Shepard Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. This distinguished honor recognizes individuals whose vision, leadership, and lifelong dedication have made an extraordinary impact on the preservation of St. Augustine’s historical legacy.

For more than three decades, Gordie Wilson has served as Superintendent of the Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments, two of the most iconic and significant historic sites in the United States. Under his stewardship, millions of dollars were directed toward preservation projects, including stabilization of the Castillo’s terreplein, conservation of historic cannons, and planning for the protection of the Castillo seawall. His leadership ensured that both the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. and Fort Matanzas’ 18th-century Spanish watchtower were preserved for the future.

Wilson’s career with the National Park Service spans more than 45 years, during which he championed strategic preservation planning, community partnerships, and nationally recognized preservation initiatives. He established cooperative agreements with the University of Florida, Florida National Guard, and local organizations, fostered collaborations with Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, and ensured that preservation efforts reflected both historical integrity and cultural respect.

Beyond his federal service, Wilson’s contributions to St. Augustine’s civic life have been equally significant. He served as President of the St. Augustine Historical Society’s Board of Trustees, chaired the Presidio Commission, and served for over a decade on the City of St. Augustine Historic Preservation Advisory Committee. He was also appointed to the Congressionally authorized St. Augustine 450th Commemoration Commission. Through these roles, he has worked tirelessly to safeguard and interpret St. Augustine’s historic fabric.

The Herschel Shepard Award, established by the St. Augustine Historical Society, honors the legacy of architect Herschel E. Shepard, whose career exemplifies the highest standards of scholarship, advocacy, and preservation practice.

In the spirit of Shepard’s legacy, Gordie Wilson’s extraordinary career reflects the very essence of this award—visionary leadership, technical expertise, and deep commitment to protecting St. Augustine’s historic resources.

The St. Augustine Historical Society congratulates Gordie Wilson on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his enduring service to the preservation of America’s oldest city.