MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Historical Society is pleased to announce the 2025 winners of the annual Board of Curators Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations across the state for exceptional work aligned with the Society’s mission to connect people to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Board of Curators is the Wisconsin Historical Society’s governing body composed of both elected and appointed members from across Wisconsin.
“History comes to life through the dedication of those who preserve and share it,” said Christian Overland, the Ruth & Hartley Barker Director and CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “The 2025 Board of Curators Award recipients have made outstanding contributions to honoring Wisconsin’s past, helping people across the state connect with the stories, places and traditions that shape our shared heritage. Their exceptional work strengthens our understanding of who we are and where we come from.”
The Board of Curators is delighted to announce the following award recipients:
Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History – presented annually to a Wisconsin Historical Society affiliate for excellence in service to its community.
- WINNER: Portage County Historical Society, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Book of Merit Award – presented to the author of a book on Wisconsin history which made a valuable contribution to public understanding of Wisconsin’s past during the preceding calendar year.
- WINNER: “Indigenous Archival Activism: Mohican Interventions in Public History and Memory” by Rose Miron, published by the University of Minnesota Press, 2024
Wisconsin Family History Book Award – presented in partnership with the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society, honors the top genealogy history book with substantial Wisconsin interest or connection.
- WINNER: “Ancestors of Paul Robert Axtell and Jeanne Elizabeth Derse” by James P. Axtell
Governor’s Archives Awards – the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board (WHRAB) co-presents awards in this category focused on historical records and manuscripts in Wisconsin.
- WINNER – Archival Achievement: Mineral Point Public Library, for a multi-year effort to renovate archival facilities and collections, Mineral Point, Wisconsin
- WINNER – Archival Innovation: La Crosse Public Library, Dark La Crosse Stories, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Historic Preservation and Restoration Awards – recognizes exemplary projects that have preserved or restored a part of Wisconsin’s heritage.
- WINNER – Preservation Award: Tom Villand and Russel Leitz for decades of volunteer service and contributions to the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office Maritime Archaeology Program
- WINNER – Restoration Award (budget greater than $1 million): Jeff Virchow, The Historic Auditorium restoration, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
- WINNER – Restoration Award (budget less than $1 million): Julie Phelps, Nelsons Service Station restoration, Gordon, Wisconsin
Museum Exhibit Awards – two awards for historical exhibits with Wisconsin themes are offered each year.
- WINNER (budget greater than $5,000): “Wisconsin’s Shipwreck Coasts,” Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- WINNER (budget less than $5,000): “The Hackner Touch: A Legacy of Sacred Craftsmanship,” La Crosse County Historical Society, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Public Program Award – honors outstanding work in a new Wisconsin history public program.
- WINNER: Nancy Kopp and Colleen Ball, for statewide program series commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Lavinia Goodell’s admission to the Wisconsin state bar
Click here for additional information about the annual Board of Curators Awards.
About the 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 wisconsinhistory.org.
