The Historic Preservation Medal is awarded for outstanding work in the field of preservation and/or restoration of historic gardens or buildings of national importance.

The Historic Preservation Medal was designed in 1973 by Joseph Kiselewski of New York City and endowed by two GCA club members: Elizabeth “Betty” Work Kirby (Mrs. Leonard Kirby: 1910–2007), Jupiter Island Garden Club, Zone VIII, and Erin Bain Leddy Jones (Mrs. John Leddy Jones: 1896–1974), attorney, author, and lay expert on environmental issues, who was a member of Founders Garden Club of Dallas, Zone IX. Originally awarded in 1973, it was the intention of the donors that non-members or groups receive preference in the awarding of this medal.