Contact: Keri O’Keefe, Wisconsin Historical Society
(608)261-9597
keri.okeefe@wisconsinhistory.org
Madison, Wisconsin – Each year, the Wisconsin Historical Society’s governing Board of Curators recognizes individuals and organizations for meritorious work in areas relating to the Society’s mission. The Board of Curators is made up of thirty-seven elected and appointed members from across the state.
“This year’s Board of Curators Award recipients have each played a crucial role in shaping and documenting our state’s rich history and are receiving the highest recognition presented by the Wisconsin Historical Society,” said Ellsworth Brown, the Ruth and Hartley Barker Director for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Architects, archivists, authors, librarians and museum professionals have made outstanding contributions to a better understanding of Wisconsin’s history and values.”
The Board of Curators unanimously approved the following awards:
Book of Merit Award – Mary Elise Antoine, Wisconsin Historical Society Press, Madison, Wisconsin for “The War of 1812 in Wisconsin: The Battle for Prairie du Chien”. Robert J. Gough and James W. Oberly, UW-Eau Claire Foundation Inc., Eau Claire, Wisconsin for “Building Excellence: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 1916-2016”.
Genealogy Family History Book Award (in association with the Wisconsin Genealogical Society) – Katherine L. Kemnitz, Beloit, Wisconsin for “Three John Chamberlains and Cornelius Atherton”.
Governor’s Archives Award for Archival Advocacy (in association with the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board) – Greg Kocken, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Department of Special Collections and Archives, Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Public Program Award – Iron County Historical Museum, Hurley, Wisconsin for the “Night at the Museum Flashlight Tour”.
Historic Preservation Award – Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Service, Rhinelander, Wisconsin for preserving the resources of Forest Lodge.
Historic Restoration Award – Madisen Maher Architects, Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the River Place Lofts-The Historic Beam House.
Museum Exhibit Award – History Museum at the Castle, Appleton, Wisconsin for their temporary exhibition, “Asylum: Out of the Shadows,” 11/16/2016 through 9/2/2018.
Reuben Gold Thwaites Award– Port Washington Historical Society, Port Washington, Wisconsin for heroic work in rescuing the Port Washington Light Station and two downtown historic buildings.
For information on award criteria, nominations and deadlines please visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.
About Wisconsin Historical Society: The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.
