History enthusiasts gathered on Thursday, March 17, in the Norman L. Fagan West Virginia State Theater of the Cultural Center for the awards ceremony that kicked off a successful day of celebrating West Virginia history. Governor Joe Manchin III was assisted by First Lady Gayle Manchin; Troy O. Body, commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History and Dr. Robert S. Conte, chairman and Dr. Kenneth R. Bailey, vice chairman of the West Virginia Archives and History Commission; in presenting History Hero awards to 44 individuals from around the state for their grassroots-level contributions to the preservation, promotion and perpetuation of the state’s rich history. In addition, Susan M. Pierce, deputy state historic preservation officer for the Division, presented two historic preservation awards to an individual and a foundation for fostering and promoting an increased understanding of historic preservation in others, demonstrating an exemplary commitment to West Virginia’s historic resources and furthering historic preservation in West Virginia. City and county historical and genealogical groups and a state senator provided nominations for the awards. A complete list of this year’s recipients, along with a brief explanation of their contributions, is enclosed.
Throughout the day, the State Capitol Rotunda was filled with exhibitors and reenactors all eager to share their enthusiasm for the history of the state. The ninth History Day was a joint effort of the West Virginia Archives and History Commission, Friends of West Virginia Culture and History, Mining Your History Foundation, Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, Inc., West Virginia Humanities Council, West Virginia Association of Museums, West Virginia Historical Association, West Virginia Historical Society and West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History.
Next year’s event is scheduled for Feb. 16, 2006. For more information about History Day or the History Hero awards, call Fredrick Armstrong, director of archives and history for the Division, at (304) 558-0230, ext. 164. Information about Historic Preservation awards is available from Pierce at (304) 558-0240, ext. 158.
The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, brings together the state’s past, present and future through programs and services in the areas of archives and history, the arts, historic preservation and museums. The Cultural Center is West Virginia’s official showcase for the arts. Visit the Division’s website at www.wvculture.org for more information about programs of the Division. The Department of Arts, Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
HISTORY HERO AWARDS 2005
Rose Ann Adams is a founding member of the Wirt County Historical Society and
has served as president since its inception five years ago. She has been responsible
for the majority of the monthly programs and spearheaded the cleanup of the
Ott Cemetery. She has also helped with Heritage Day for Wirt County elementary
schools, set up displays at the Wirt County Fair, and helped to get the river
boat display in Wirt County. Adams has served on the committee for the annual
fall festival “Pioneer Days,” where her diligent work has contributed
to its success.
Nominated by Wirt County Historical Society
Robert R. Ayersman is a charter member of the Rowlesburg Area Historical Society.
He has served as membership chairman for 10 years and has written the two yearly
letters that keep members informed of the society’s activities and projects.
He participates in all fund-raising and local activities and is especially in-terested
in the Cannon Hill project. Ayersman has lent time and expertise to restoration
of the depot and the IOOF building. A retiree of the United States Air Force,
he has used his skills, time and energy to the benefit of the society.
Nominated by Rowlesburg Area Historical Society
Barbara Bell has been a genealogy and local history researcher for more than
25 years. She is a former vice-president of KYOWVA Genealogical Society and
has volunteered at the society’s library, answering hundreds of genealogy
questions. She is editor of the Peter Henry Bell family newsletter, and compiled
and indexed “Family Trees from History’s Forest” by Eunice
Proctor Perkins. She has contributed to several publications on Cabell County,
and presented genealogy lectures.
Nominated by KYOWVA Genealogical Society
James A. Bell and Donald R. “Duck” Stevens have dedicated themselves
to making the Calhoun County Historical Society’s Heritage Village a reality.
In the past four years they have spent hundreds of hours relocating historic
structures to the Village at Calhoun County Park, organizing work parties to
make necessary repairs, locating supplies and materials, and scouring Calhoun
and surrounding counties to acquire period furnishings. Additionally, they have
donated their time and equipment to construct benches for public seating and
to landscape the Village. Jim and Donald are truly heroes in the eyes of the
society and the community.
Nominated by Calhoun County Historical Society
Sarah Brown Bragg organized the library for the Clay County Landmarks Commission
and Historical Society. Despite attending school on a full-time basis, she ran
the society’s office, answered mail, filed histori-cal materials, helped
with family research, and kept the library open. An excellent researcher, she
copied the records published in Clay County Deaths: 1858-1901. Generous with
her time and research, Bragg is dedicated to helping people do family research
and remains a key supporter of the society.
Nominated by Clay County Landmarks Commission and Historical Society
Brent Carney of Wheeling is a consultant and researcher for the Wheeling National
Heritage Area Corporation, which is currently completing a project to place
historic signage along Wheeling’s Walking Trail. He is the author of Bethany
College,
and co-author of Images of America: Wheeling and Wheeling In Vintage Postcards.
An instructor in history at Wheeling Jesuit University, Carney presents programs
for local historical and genealogical groups and generously shares his knowledge
with other researchers.
Nominated by Wheeling Area Historical Society
Jeanne Carter has been an active member of the West Virginia Independence Hall
Foundation, Inc., for more than 15 years. She has participated in the planning
and execution of numerous interpretive programs at WVIH Museum. Carter has researched
and developed the living history characters of Lydia Boggs Shepherd and Laura
Jackson Arnold, which she has presented to many groups and organizations throughout
the state. She has also been an active volunteer at Jackson’s Mill for
many years.
Nominated by West Virginia Independence Hall Foundation, Inc.
Noble F. Conner, Jr. has been a member of the Kanawha Valley Genealogical Society
for more than 25 years. He served as treasurer and is currently a director of
the society. He has been a faithful and punctual librarian and is dedicated
to assisting researchers. In addition to filing periodicals and providing copying
services, Conner is even willing to clean the floors and tables. He has been
active in a number of projects sponsored by the society.
Nominated by Kanawha Valley Genealogical Society
Madeline Whiteman Crickard has been active in the Randolph County Historical
Society and the Allegheny Regional Family History Society for many years. She
served on the board of directors for the RCHS and is currently the archivist/librarian
for the ARFHS. Crickard has been a registered genealogist for more than 25 years
and was a charter member of the Randolph County Genealogical Society. She compiled
Index to the 1810 Virginia Census, published in 1971. A Daughters of the American
Revolution member since 1965, she served as chapter registrar from 1989 to 2004.
Nominated by Allegheny Regional Family History Society
Vera Crum of Ripley has served as treasurer of the Jackson County Historical
Society for 25 years. In addition to keeping the financial and membership records,
she replies to much of the correspondence received by the organization. She
served on the topical committee for the Jackson County Past and Present 1990
book and has packaged and mailed countless publications for the society. Through
her efforts, the Otterbein Church at Angerona was placed in the National Register
of Historic Places in 1998. She works tirelessly and quietly behind the scenes
to keep the wheels of the organization turning.
Nominated by Jackson County Historical Society
Herbert Dawson is recognized as a genealogist and untiring researcher who readily
shares his genealogy research with others. A charter member of the Wayne County
Genealogical & Historical Society, he has served as both vice-president
and president and is currently a board member. Dawson was instrumental in the
publi-cation of three Wayne County cemetery books, as well as the 1870, 1880,
and 1920 Wayne County annotated censuses. He contributes articles for the society’s
newsletter and actively seeks donations for its research library. A retired
music teacher, Dawson is a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Sons
of Union Veterans, and the General Andrew Lewis Chapter, Sons of the American
Revolution.
Nominated by Wayne County Genealogical & Historical Society
Steve and Karen Farmer researched, reviewed and documented the construction
and history of Sunrise Mansion in Charleston for the purpose of renovating this
historic structure for use as a law office. The Farmers have worked to ensure
that the integrity of the mansion restoration was not compromised. Based upon
photos, articles, and records that they located, they were able to adhere to
the original design. They have expended considerable time and resources in the
renovation of Charleston’s crown residential jewel.
Nominated by Kanawha Valley Historical & Preservation Society, Inc.
Barbara Flinchum is a charter member of the Summers County Historical Society,
which was re-organized in 1982. She worked tirelessly on two SCHS publications:
The History of Summers County, West Virginia-1984 and The Summers County, West
Virginia Historical Society Cemetery Book. A native of the small farming community
of Buck, she drives 120 miles to attend society meetings in Hinton.
Nominated by Summers County Historical Society
Linda Cunningham Fluharty, a Wheeling native, created and maintains the website
of the Wheeling Area Genealogical Society, as well as the West Virginia GenWeb
sites for Marshall, Pleasants and Calhoun counties. She also has websites for
four com-plete West Virginia Civil War regiments, all related to the Wheeling
area. Fluharty has compiled three Civil War books: On the Way Home...West Virginia
Soldiers on the Sultana; Civil War - West Virginia, Union Lives Lost; and The
Civil War Letters of Lt. Milton B. Campbell, 12th West Virginia Infantry.
Nominated by Wheeling Area Genealogical Society
Charolette Gardner is an active member of the Belle Historical Restoration
Society, Inc. She and her late husband Charles became lifetime members of the
society when it was formed and donated several period pieces to the Old Stone
House in Belle. She was an important part of the planning and landscaping of
the surrounding park. Gardner serves as tour director and is the overseer and
caretaker for the house. She also bakes bread and cakes and disperses pecans
for the society’s fund-raising efforts.
Nominated by Belle Historical Restoration Society, Inc.
Kermit Garretson, a dedicated life member of the Mineral County Historical
Society, has been a trustee on the board of directors for the past five years
and was the program director for three of these five years. His major contribution
has been in historical preservation. Garretson is the supervisor of the restoration
of the historical Carskadon Mansion in Keyser and is its prin-cipal caretaker.
He has written and managed preservation grants and has negotiated the purchase
of another Mineral County historical landmark “Traveler’s Rest”
(The Stone House).
Nominated by Mineral County Historical Society
Lillian C. Gibson is an artist, writer, activist, and preservationist who has
made significant contributions to Upshur County history. She financed the preservation
of the historic Snell School and Dunkard Church sites as well as the historic
Miller Snell Cemetery, and made the Snell School available to the Upshur County
Historical Society for educational and museum programming. Gibson has established
a trust fund for the continued preservation and use of these sites. She has
also made financial contributions for the society’s publication, research,
and program efforts.
Nominated by Upshur County Historical Society
Anna Evans Gilmer was a charter member of the Henry Highland Garnett Foundation
and is working to collect school memorabilia. She was involved with the reconstruction
of Booker T. Washington’s Malden home and was a member of the state committee
for the collection, preservation, and dissemination of black history in West
Virginia. She co-authored Black Past with photographer James Randall and is
a writer for the Beacon Digest. Gilmer also helped to compile American Sampler:
West Virginia’s African-American Women of Distinction.
Nominated by Henry Highland Garnett Foundation
A director of the West Virginia State CCC Museum Association, Francis R. Gilmore
is an active member of several state and local historical societies and is a
strong supporter of preservation and West Virginia history. Over a span of more
than 20 years, he taught West Virginia and United States history to thousands
of students, and served many years as historical consultant and organizer of
teacher workshops in history. Gilmore retired as a distinguished faculty member
of Salem College.
Nominated by West Virginia State CCC Museum Association
The late Norma Alt Groves (1918-2003) of Petersburg was an inspiring local
historian. She was a founding member of the Grant County Historical Society
and served as vice-president until the year before her death. Groves also served
as treasurer of the Grant County Museum Commission. She and her late husband
John built and operated the Country Store Museum in Petersburg where they housed
country store artifacts in restored log buildings. They later donated one, the
Scherr one-room schoolhouse, to the Board of Education for Petersburg school
children.
Nominated by Grant County Historical Society, Inc.
Charles Ray Harper has served as president of both the Red House Shoals History
Group and the Kanawha Valley Genealogical Society. He has written many stories
and pamphlets on Putnam County. Harper is considered the sports historian of
Putnam County and wrote Poca High School Football: And a Short History of Poca
High School, 1922-1983.
Nominated by Red House Shoals History Group
Douglas Hylton spearheaded historic preservation efforts in Ronceverte, established
the Historic Landmarks Commission, acquired grants to develop the first ever
comprehensive community plan integrating a historic district, and oversaw a
three-year survey of the town’s historic structures to complete the historic
district nomination package. He assisted the Greenbrier Historical Society in
acquiring funding for the $1.6 mil-lion renovation of North House Museum in
Lewisburg. Hylton also integrates Ronceverte’s recreation trails with
historic timelines for walking tours, and is negotiating with CSX for restoration
of the town’s 1915 depot and with the West Virginia National Guard to
obtain the Clifford Armory.
Nominated by Ronceverte Historic Landmarks Commission
A member of the Weston Hospital Revitalization Committee, Doug Johnson has
donated thousands of hours as a tour guide and maintenance person at the National
Landmark Weston State Hospital. He has shared his knowledge of life at the old
hospital which closed in 1994. Johnson single-handedly cut and hauled away more
than 70 pine trees that were growing near and into the foundation of the historic
building; and cleaned, scraped and painted three exhibit rooms. He continues
to work diligently to keep the 147-year history of this building and its patients
in the public eye.
Nominated by Weston Hospital Revitalization Committee
Brian Kesterson is a regional historian and author from Wood County. He has
presented lectures and living history programs and speaks to regional schools
and historical organizations. Kesterson has also appeared as a re-enactor in
historical movies and documentaries. He has devoted a great deal of time to
historic preservation and is a member of the Fort Boreman Historic Park Commission.
Nominated by Wood County Historical & Preservation Society
Lonnie and Judy Kiger are active members in the Marshall County Historical
Society and have served as officers. During his first term as president, Lonnie
completed the task of establishing the MCHS Museum and upgraded the facility
with a new restroom, sidewalks, steps, computer and security systems. He has
designed brochures and advertising materials, and began publication of the society’s
newsletter. Kiger is also in charge of writing grants. His hard work led to
the acquisition of the old schoolhouse at Pleasant Valley for renovation into
a museum. Judy is in charge of the genealogy files and takes care of the annual
picnic and Christmas party. She was also involved in creating a cookbook as
a fund-raiser for the society. Together, they designed a calendar of old Marshall
County photos for the society.
Nominated by Marshall County Historical Society
Ronald Lamb has been a part of the Historic Area at WVU Jackson’s Mill
since its beginning. His commitment and dedication over the years make it very
clear that being the miller is more than just a job for him. After helping reconstruct
Blaker’s Mill, he learned the intricacies of its operation, becoming the
on-site expert. “Uncle Ronnie” is equally well versed on the entire
Historic Area. He can talk with older visitors about “back in the day”
as well as help young people understand and appreciate the differences between
traditional and modern customs. It is common for guests to say his tour “made
their visit.”
Nominated by WVU Jackson’s Mill
Robert “Bobby” Malone has been a member of the Taylor County Historical
Society for several years and was recently elected president. He has worked
with the newsletter committee to bring the membership list up to date. Malone
has always had a great interest in Grafton railroad history, which he has been
researching for a number of years. He also endeavors to save some of the old
cemeteries in Taylor County.
Nominated by Taylor County Historical Society
Patricia Miller has been an active member of the Guyandotte Civil War Days,
Inc., for the past 10 years. She has promoted the event, attended all functions,
and helped raise the necessary funds. During her membership, she has been chairperson
of many of the committees. Despite health problems, she has remained a steadfast
and positive contributor to the success of Guyandotte Civil War Days.
Nominated by Guyandotte Civil War Days, Inc.
Gloria Abigail Murphy has been a significant force in support of the Tyler
County Museum since its opening 10 years ago. She and her late husband Leroy
were instrumental in building the country store exhibit and making mannequins
for the military room. Murphy is a room chairman for the kitchen area and is
an authority on Civil War history. She is a chairman for a Who’s Who display
of important people in Tyler County and West Virginia, and has contributed significantly
to the museum and its programs.
Nominated by Tyler County Museum
Frank Nash has been a tireless member of the Mercer County Historical Society
for several years. Nash served on the 2002 Mercer County History Book committee
and helps with the upkeep of the MCHS log cabin museum. One of his most outstanding
contributions has been his work with the society’s new railroad museum.
Nash was appointed as the society’s repre-sentative to work with the City
of Princeton on the building of this museum. As president of the Mercer County
Farm Bureau, Nash was instrumental in moving the old Virginian Railway freight
station next to the railroad museum. This building is now being restored and
will serve as an agriculture museum in the near future.
Nominated by Mercer County Historical Society
Randall and Betty Ann Nicholson have been active members of the Hacker’s
Creek Pioneer Descendants for more than a decade. As a team, they have worked
together in many capacities to promote the preservation of history and the growth
of the organization. Both serve as volunteer librar-ians, keeping the library
open on Monday evenings and assisting patrons in their research, and participate
in programs and fund-raising activities of the group. Randall is a member of
the board of direc-tors, currently serves as editor of the “Hacker’s
Creek Journal,” and is chairman of building maintenance. Betty Ann implemented
the organization and cataloging of the HCPD’s extensive photo-graph and
manuscript collection. Since January 2004 she has served as executive director.
Nominated by Hacker’s Creek Pioneer Descendants
Steven Nordeck is continuing the preservation of the herpetology specimens
at the History House Museum of the Preston County Historical Society. His identification
labels and additional infor-mation help visitors to understand the display of
snakes, frogs, and other reptiles and amphibians. Without his assistance, this
collection of internationally known vertebrate zoologist A.M. Reese, “the
father of herpetology in West Virginia,” might have been lost.
Nominated by Preston County Historical Society
Jay O’Dell writes a weekly newspaper column, “Regional History
and Environment,” published in the Wayne County News. He also conducted
research and wrote the first histories of several towns, including Ceredo. Dissemination
of his writing has provided subject material for history teachers. O’Dell
promotes the history of Ceredo and the neighboring community of Kenova by judging
an annual town historic antique car show, which fosters restoration and preservation
of antique vehicles and compliments the activities of the Ceredo Museum and
its associated historical society and railroad museum.
Nominated by Ceredo Museum
Caroline Rappold, a member of the Buford Chapter, National Society Daughters
of the American Revolution, Huntington, wrote the history of the Buford Chapter
which was organized in 1910. In April 2002, her 410-page book was accepted by
the National DAR Library, Washington, DC. This book was the culmination of 10
years of researching chapter year-books, bylaws, state conference proceedings,
local genealogical records, and newspapers.
Nominated by Buford Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Juanita Reed has helped preserve West Virginia history through the treasured
art form of quilts. A member of the West Virginia Heritage Quilt Search when
it originated in 1990, she helped gather and compile documentation of many pre-1940
quilts, which was used for the book West Virginia Quilts and Quiltmakers: Echoes
From the Hills. Reed has also helped to preserve the art of quilt making through
her work with area elementary school students. A member of the American Quilt
Study Group and president of the National Quilting Association, she has been
in-strumental in scheduling local seminars and shows. She was also involved
in organizing the Moon and Stars Guild and the state guild, the West Virginia
Quilters.
Nominated by John Young Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American
Revolution
RICHARD and MARION REED of Gilmer County have devoted a lifetime to heritage
preservation both in West Virginia and Florida. They both have served as officers
and volunteers for the Gilmer County Historical Society and Hacker’s Creek
Pioneer Descendants. They also served as volunteers in St. Lucie County, Florida,
for a museum and a restored school house. Their devotion to their work reminds
us that we must preserve the past in order to live in the future.
Nominated by the Gilmer County Historical Society
Arnold and Mary Richards joined the Ritchie County Historical Society as charter
members in early 1974. They have been involved with many projects including
fund-raising for the purchase of the Stone House in Pennsboro in 1977 and helping
clean, restore and provide tours of the Stone House Museum. They have aided
in the publication of The History of Ritchie County, WV - To 1980, A Photographic
History of Ritchie County, WV, and Ritchie County, WV Cemeteries - To 1993.
They also published and printed the society’s quarterly newsletter for
a number of years. Addition-ally, Mary served the society many years as secretary
and Arnold installed new gas lines to the meeting room, office and restroom,
and water lines to the restroom.
Nominated by Ritchie County Historical Society
John Shoaf, a charter member of the American Diner Museum and a member of the
Society for Commercial Archeology, relentlessly chases diners for the AmDM Directory
and conducts research for the preservation/restoration of the American Classic
Diner as an artifact. He has also written and made numerous presentations on
the subject of diners in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. As a “Friend
of the Lincoln High-way,” Shoaf is helping restore their 1938 O’Mahoney
Diner.
Nominated by American Diner Museum
HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS
“Award of Excellence in Historic Preservation”
The VANDALIA HERITAGE FOUNDATION is a leader in historic preservation and
downtown redevelopment. It has focused on individual buildings in order to catalyze
the redevelopment of a community. The foundation worked to transform the Buxton
and Landstreet former company store into a model retail showroom, artisan gallery
and warehouse as well as upstairs office space for Mountain Made Foundation,
and the Canaan Valley Institute is now a Thomas success story. It also has worked
to reopen the doors of Cottrill’s Opera House. The group has worked on
numerous projects in Arthurdale, Clarksburg, Fairmont, Wheeling and Grafton.
In addition, the Vandalia Heritage Foundation has made efforts to provide preservation
trade workshops that are very helpful to the preservationists in West Virginia.
Nominated by Senator Brooks McCabe
“Award of Excellence in Education and Awareness of Historic Preservation”
DANIEL E. WRIGHT has shared a talent for making history come alive for his
students in Fayette County schools, Glenville State College and the Summersville
New River and Technical Branch of Bluefield State. Wright has served on the
Fayette County Historic Landmark Commission since 1984 and is its current president.
The commission is responsible for an exhibit of drawings and paintings in the
County Courthouse which depicts Fayette County’s sites listed in the National
Register of Historic Places. In 1995, he served on the Fayette Courthouse Centennial
Committee which oversaw the production of a short video on the courthouse’s
history. He also worked on another video which was completed in 2003 entitled
“Oak Hill–My Hometown.”
Nominated by Ann Skaggs, secretary of the Fayette County Historic Landmark Commission