Madison, Wis. – The Board of Curators, the Wisconsin Historical Society’s governing body, annually recognizes individuals and organizations for exceptional work consistent with the Society’s mission and vision. The Board of Curators is comprised of both elected and appointed members from across Wisconsin.

“The annual Board of Curators Awards acknowledges those who have gone above and beyond to preserve and share Wisconsin history,” said Christian Overland, the Ruth and Hartley Barker Director & CEO for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Knowledge of the past allows us to better understand the world around us and provides useful insight for navigating today’s challenges. The organizations and individuals selected to receive awards this year each made important contributions to history that ensure future generations can access the stories of our state’s past.”

The Board of Curators is pleased to announce the following award recipients:

• Genealogy Book Award – Nancy M. Vance for the book, “Some Descendants of Widow Foord: 1621-2021.”
• Book of Merit Award – Wisconsin Historical Society Press for the book by Jeff Kannel, “Make Way for Liberty: Wisconsin African Americans in the Civil War.”
• Governor’s Award for Archival Innovation – Special Collections & Archives Department at UW-Eau Claire for “The Chippewa Valley COVID-19 Archiving Project.”
• Public Program Award – Bayfield Heritage Association for their John Matthew Black virtual lecture series.
• Historic Preservation Award – Milwaukee Preservation Alliance for the preservation of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home.
• Historic Restoration Award – Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for the restoration of the Warner Art Deco skyscraper.

• Museum Exhibit Award (budget greater than $5,000) – Neville Public Museum for the exhibit, “Generations Gallery.”
• Museum Exhibit Award (budget less than $5,000) – 1906 Cambridge Historic School Museum for the exhibit, “The Suffrage Movement in Cambridge.”
• Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy – Milwaukee County Historical Society for continued excellence and overall service to the community.

For information on award criteria, nominations, and deadlines 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.

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