(November 19, 1989). Councils of the Colonial Society of Pennsylvania and the Welcome Society of Pennsylvania. Contemporary Pioneer Award. Remarks (AMs) and invitation, 1989

d'Harnoncourt's contributions to the arts and education, to the city of Philadelphia, and to the empowerment of professional women did not go unnoticed. According to these records, she received six honorary doctoral degrees, including one in music. Both France and Mexico awarded her their country's highest cultural honors in 2002 and 2007, respectively. In recognition of their partnership, both personal and professional, d'Harnoncourt and her husband Joseph Rishel were honored by the Marriage Council of Philadelphia in 1994, as well as the city's chapter of the French-American Chamber of Commerce in 1999.

A recognition with particular resonance was d'Harnoncourt's nomination in 1997 for the Philadelphia Award, one of the city's most prestigious honors. Nearly 50 years earlier, the award went to PMA's director Fiske Kimball. Instituted in 1921 by publisher-turned-philanthropist Edward Bok, the award is given each year to "a citizen of the Philadelphia region who, during the preceding year, acted and served on behalf of the best interests of the community." D'Harnoncourt shared the award with Jane Golden, who pioneered the City Mural Arts Program, as part of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network. PMA hosted the dinner in their honor, held in 1998.

d'Harnoncourt's unexpected death in 2008 brought formal condolences from city, state and federal representatives. The mayor gave a tribute of official recognition by the city of Philadelphia, and City Council passed a resolution honoring her life. Both the House of Representatives and Senate of the state's General Assembly also passed resolutions of honor and condolences. Initiated by U.S. Representatives Robert Brady and Chakah Fattah, two tributes were read into the Congressional Record, and at the request of Rep. Brady, the Flag of the United States was flown over the United States Capitol in d'Harnoncourt's memory on June 4th, three days after she died.

As early testament to her legacy, d'Harnoncourt received two awards posthumously--both in recognition of her contribution to the "built environment." Among the accomplishments cited were the significant renovations she championed of PMA's original iconic structure, as well as the Perelman Building, the neighboring art deco landmark that now serves as additional museum space.