Morgans Honored with State Award for Historic Preservation

In addition to their award, the Morgans were presented with resolutions from the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate. The award and resolutions were presented to the Morgans by State Representative, Doug Richey (photo Courtney Cole).

On Tuesday, April 19, Excelsior Springs residents Sonya and Kevin Morgan were recognized for their ceaseless historic preservation efforts at an awards ceremony at the State Capitol in Jefferson City. The Morgans were honored with one of Missouri Preservation’s most prestigious annual awards, the McReynolds Award. This unique recognition is given annually to recognize individuals or groups that have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to preservation through a long-term preservation project or significant achievements in the field. The award is named in honor of Mrs. Elizabeth (McReynolds) Rozier whose family was instrumental in establishing historic preservation efforts in Missouri.

*It was a beautiful spring day at the state capitol (photo Courtney Cole).*

Sonya and Kevin Morgan are long-time residents of Excelsior Springs who have a passion for historic preservation. They live in the Boarding House Historic District near the downtown and are familiar faces at nearly every city and downtown event. As volunteers, they have spent countless hours attending meetings, researching projects, sharing their knowledge, and working with others to improve their community.

*The awards ceremony was held in the Capitol rotunda (photo Courtney Cole).*

Kevin can often be found behind his camera, documenting downtown events as well as capturing the ongoing history and spirit of Excelsior Springs. His photography has not only assisted in documenting the development of downtown but has helped increase civic pride and grown the appreciation for the beauty of the area. Kevin has also helped explore the pre-history of the area uncovering Native American artifacts along Fishing River and pre-pandemic he facilitated an archaeological excavation at Regent Spring with students and educators from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.

*Students and faculty from UMSL excavate an area near the old Regent Spring along the Fishing River. (photo Kevin Morgan).*

Sonya served on the Historic Preservation Commission for over 20 years researching, writing, and preserving the history of Excelsior Springs. Now, as an Excelsior Springs Councilwoman, she serves as a council liaison to the commission and is a tireless voice in support of historic preservation. Through the years, Sonya has served on numerous committees related to preservation issues in Excelsior springs, including ongoing efforts to save the Hall of Waters which was listed as a top priority on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Most Endangered List in 2020.

Sonya took part in the announcement of a $500,000 dollar grant to help with restoration efforts to the Hall of Waters (photo Courtney Cole).

Both Kevin and Sonya currently serve together on the Friends of the Wells Committee, working to make the mineral water that is responsible for the development of Excelsior Springs available once again to visitors of the Hall of Waters. The countless hours Sonya and Kevin Morgan have spent giving back to their community have helped ensure the history of Excelsior Springs will be shared for generations to come.