Every year the Vermont Historical Society presents the League of Local Historical Societies & Museums Achievement Awards. These awards recognize the exceptional work being done by individuals and community heritage organizations throughout the state to collect, preserve and share Vermont’s rich history. Five organizational awards, and three individual awards were presented this year at the Vermont Historical Society Annual Meeting held September 29 in Montpelier.
The LLHSM Achievement Awards recognize work in a variety of categories and levels. Organizational awards are given for projects that were undertaken or completed in the past year (July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019) and are bestowed at two levels. An Award of Excellence recognizes superlative achievement, impact and innovation while an Award of Merit recognizes achievement within the context of available resources and professional abilities. Individual Achievement awards honor a person’s work and commitment to local history over an extended period of time. This year’s awards honored everything from an exhibit showcasing the Burlington music scene in the 1990s, to a book featuring oral histories from town residents. The individuals given awards this year together represent decades of exceptional service to their local historical societies.
Award of Excellence
Exhibitions & Public Programs
Big Heavy World, Burlington, VT
For the exhibit Vermont Music Far & Wide
Exhibitions & Public Programs
Stowe Historical Society, Stowe, VT
For the project Brownsville 1850-1950 & Now: A Walk Through History and the Current Landscape
Award of Merit
Exhibitions & Public Programs
Bradford Historical Society, Bradford, VT
For the exhibit Philip Ross Hastings-- Through His Lens
with special recognition for Diane Smarro
Publications
Bridgewater Historical Society, Bridgewater, VT
For the Bridgewater Historical Society Newsletter
Publications
Fair Haven Historical Society
For the book Fair Haven Memories
Individual Achievement Awards
Lt. Col Mark C. Biron of the Island Pond Historical Society
Nancy Magnant of the Franklin Historical Society
Rita Martel of the Winooski Historical Society
About VHS
The Vermont Historical Society (VHS) is a nonprofit organization that operates the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier, the Vermont History Center in Barre, and programming throughout the state. Established in 1838, its purpose is to reach a broad audience through outstanding collections and statewide outreach. The Vermont Historical Society believes that an understanding of the past changes lives and builds better communities. Visit the Society’s website at www.vermonthistory.org.