2026 Excellence in Preservation

Located in Atlanta’s Greenwood Cemetery, the Holocaust Memorial to the Six Million was completed in 1965 as a place of prayer and remembrance for survivors and families mourning those lost in the Holocaust. Constructed of rough-cut stone and organized through enclosing walls and vertical sculptural elements, the open-air memorial was designed to evoke reflection, solemnity, and dignity. The National Register–listed monument is significant as the first three-dimensional Holocaust memorial in the United States and the first constructed in Georgia. Over time, weathering and deferred maintenance led to deterioration of the masonry and site features. This restoration effort focused on stabilizing and repairing stone walls, addressing structural and material concerns, improving accessibility, and sensitively upgrading the torch lights and eternal flame systems. The restoration has returned the memorial to its intended appearance, and it ensures its continued role as a sacred place for Holocaust Memorial Day observances and High Holy Day ceremonies, as well as a dignified space of remembrance. 

Excellence in Restoration Awards recognize the exemplary restoration of historic structures that accurately restore the form, features, and character of a historic building as it appeared during a particular period.

Image courtesy of Greenwood Cemetery