The Columbus Landmarks Foundation awarded The STEAM Factory the “Frederick J. Holdridge Outstanding Group Award” this past week for their tireless work in preserving history at the historic 400 West Rich building. There to represent the STEAM Factory was Michael Smoley, Content and Editorial Strategy Specialist for The STEAM Factory, who said, “We are very thankful and gracious for this award from Columbus Landmarks Foundation. We feel that it is the perfect acknowledgment of our 10+ year history of work at 400 West Rich, as well as our close ties to the building and the Franklinton community.”  

Dr. Rebecca F. Kemper, CEO of The Columbus Landmarks Foundation, had this to say about the award being given to STEAM Factory, “Columbus Landmarks has honored The STEAM Factory, within the Ohio State University, for its commitment to the historic 400 W. Rich as well as supporting faculty within their Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics/Medicine (STEAM) research and workforce development practices.”  

Dr. Kemper also wanted to recognize the importance of STEAM professionals and the recent shortage of them, saying, “The Department of Interior recognizes that our nation's shortage of STEAM professionals is one of the greatest threats to architectural preservation in our country,” hoping to encourage others to participate in STEAM Factory and to help preserve the space for future thinkers. 

Columbus Landmarks was founded in 1977 by Nancy Recchie and Jeff Darbee and much of their work goes towards protecting historical and culturally important landmarks within the city of Columbus, Ohio.