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David and Renee’
Allison's restoration of "Edgarton," the oldest home in Ronceverte, epitomizes
their commitment to historic preservation. Originally constructed in 1810, this Victorian
structure was added to in 1885. For over 15 years the Allisons have worked to restore the interior
and exterior of the structure, ensuring that it remains an important part of the town's history. They
are also active participants in the Main Street Ronceverte program, working with the downtown
renovations of historic properties. The Allisons are good neighbors and true History Heroes.
Nominated by Ronceverte Historic Landmarks Commission
Gerald Brownie
Amick has been a member of the Ritchie County Historical Society for more than
15 years. He first became involved with the society when he wrote several articles for the
historical society's 1981 book, The History of Ritchie County, WV - To 1980. Amick
assisted with the society's book, A Photographic History of Ritchie County, WV Cemeteries -
through 1993. Noted for his knowledge of the timber/forestry and oil and gas industries, he
constructed a working model of the "endless cable system" that long ago operated numerous oil
wells in the Volcano/Petroleum oil field. His model is on display at Marshall Hardware in Cairo
and some of his timber/forestry items are on display at Mountwood Park in Wood County.
Amick has also served as a lecturer of historical stories during festivals at Cairo, North Bend
State Park and along the North Bend Rail Trail.
Nominated by Ritchie County Historical Society, Inc.
T. Vernon
Anderson has spent more than thirty years compiling a database of the genealogy
and history of many Marshall County families. He readily shares his abundant information on the
Marshall County Virtual Genealogy Society Web site, and co-authored a book about the Yoho
family. In the course of his research, Anderson has identified nineteen ancestors who served in
American Revolution, and successfully documented claims for three West Virginia Union Civil
War medals.
Nominated by Marshall County Virtual Genealogy Society
Bill Archer, senior
writer of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, has won a number of awards for his work in
journalism. His five pictorial histories of Mercer County, McDowell County, Bluefield,
Princeton and Welch, published between 2000 and 2006, have contributed to the preservation of
southern West Virginia. Through photos and accompanying information, these books trace the
area's history and present-day landscape. He has been a community service leader for many
years. Archer has also been the significant force in the restoration of Oakwood Cemetery in
Bluefield.
Nominated by Mercer County Historical Society
Leoma Wiseman
Ballard is a charter member and secretary for the Belle Historical Restoration
Society. She worked to raise matching funds for a grant to purchase the Samuel Shrewsbury
Mansion. As a well-known citizen of the Kanawha Valley, her many contacts working with
grants enabled the society to acquire surrounding property that includes a park, carriage house
and museum building that will house the many artifacts she has acquired to display the progress
of the valley's industry.
Nominated by Belle Historical Restoration Society, Inc.
A retired physician, James W. "Jay" Banks is a member of the Monroe County
Historical Society and has served as secretary, vice president and president. He has been
corresponding secretary since 1990, and was involved in fund-raising for purchase of the
building that houses the society's museum. Banks is also a member of the Greenbrier Historical
Society and the West Virginia Historical Society. He served as chairman of the Monroe
Bicentennial Commission and is a member of the Historic Landmarks Commission. Banks wrote
the Monroe County article for the new West Virginia Encyclopedia. He has published
four books, including House Calls in the Hills, Memoirs of a Country Doctor.
Nominated by Monroe County Historical Society
Frederick A. Barkey is
a retired history professor and Professor Emeritus at Marshall University Graduate College. He
has been a Danforth Associate, and was the Spring 1999 Rockefeller Scholar-in-Residence at the
Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Gender in Appalachia at Marshall University. Barkey has
published numerous articles and books on West Virginia labor history, and in 1988, was knighted
by the King of Belgium for promoting greater awareness of the contributions of Belgian
immigrant workers to West Virginia and the nation. He also served on the South Charleston
Museum Foundation Board of Directors for several years.
Nominated by South Charleston Museum
Ronald W. Barnhill,
a disabled Vietnam veteran, has been a member of Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp No.
1694, Flat Top Copperheads, for five years, and currently serves as color sergeant. He has been
instrumental in preserving the history and heritage of Confederate soldiers of Mercer County. His
efforts have helped in erecting a monument to the Confederate soldiers of Mercer County and a
historical marker to recognize the Battle of the Clark House. Barnhill volunteers at the newly
erected Railroad Museum in Princeton and works to preserve the history of Mercer County.
Nominated by Sons of Confederate Veterans - West Virginia Division
Charles "Rusty" Bash has served as historian for American Legion Post 93 for
34 years. Each year, he maintains the activities scrapbook that last year won first place in the
state and finished high in the national contest. Bash writes a guest article each month for the
town of Ceredo's monthly newspaper, which serves to preserve the community's rich heritage.
He also organizes and directs the Veterans Day Parade and Memorial Day Service, annual events
that honor veterans and preserve their memories for the towns of Ceredo and Kenova.
Nominated by Ceredo Museum
Margaret Bassitt was the chairperson of the first annual St. Albans Founders
Day in 2006. This citywide event brought together recent and former citizens for a day of
researching family history, historical tours and numerous historical events throughout the town
that included open houses and a Main Street Festival. Through her leadership, this event was
successful and will become an annual celebration of St. Albans history. Since 2002 she has
researched the life of St. Albans's founding father, Phillip Rootes Thompson. Margaret is a
retired librarian and is active in the St. Albans Historical Society and other civic clubs.
Nominated by St. Albans Historical Society
After retiring from teaching, Lea
Beachem didn't realize that seasonal work as a clerk in the General's Store at WVU
Jackson's Mill was actually the beginning of a second career. Her skills in heritage arts such as
spinning, weaving and basketry and her easy manner make her a natural for workshops,
demonstrations, giving group tours, or working with individual guests. Beachem's dedication to
preserving and sharing Appalachian culture and history has established her as an integral part of
the core Historic Area team. This, along with her willingness to try new things, continues to help
foster an environment of growth for the Historic Area and its programs.
Nominated by Historic Area at WVU Jackson's Mill
Gerald E. Bills has been
an energetic, unselfish member of the Pleasants County Historical Society for many years. He has
used his talents to find, clean and restore forgotten or abandoned cemeteries, in particular
veterans' graves, repairing or replacing their gravestones. Bills finds and notifies their families
and arranges for rededication services for them. His ongoing genealogical research and cemetery
preservation never stops, and he answers the inquires of all those searching for their family
histories. He maintains a current index of local obituaries in addition to giving Pleasants County
a very respectable internet presence.
Nominated by Pleasants County Historical Society
Carol Board, member
of the Roane County Historical Society since 1993, has served as treasurer and co-chairman of
the Roane County Genealogical Fair, and chaired Roane County's Sesquicentennial Committee in
2006. During the Black Walnut Festival, this committee sponsored an essay contest for county
school children, sold commemorative baskets, sponsored a float, and held a county birthday
party. It also installed in the courthouse plaques of all officials elected since the county was
formed. To preserve a fifty-year-old newspaper, Board cut and pasted articles into a book sold by
the Roane County Historical Society.
Nominated by Roane County Historical Society, Inc.
Ruth Brinker, a
native of Indiana, came to Randolph County in 1992 as Heritage Program Leader for the
Monongahela National Forest, overseeing historical and archaeological resources including the
significant Native American Villages discovered at Seneca Rocks. She served on the Board of
Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation and helped establish the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike
Alliance (SPTA). Following retirement, she worked as coordinator for Historic Beverly and
SPTA, helping to complete the Turnpike Corridor Management Plan and National Scenic Byway
nomination. She was a founding member of C-HOPE, and wrote the National Register
nomination for the Darden Mill building. Following a stroke in December of 2005, she retired
from active work, but still participates in community efforts.
Nominated by Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike Alliance
Mary Ann
Chatterton has been an integral part of KYOWVA's growth in 2006. She
represented the society in multiple functions, including 2006 History Day at the Legislature, book
fairs, and genealogical meetings. She also represents KYOWVA in meetings of area
organizations and is a volunteer at the society's library. Chatterton has spearheaded successful
fund-raising activities for the society and offered her own property for a potential new building
for the library. She has been instrumental the last two years in decorating the Jenkins Plantation
and Museum for its 1860s Christmas party.
Nominated by KYOWVA Genealogical and Historical Society
Eunice Jean
Childress has been a key member of the Upshur County Historical Society, and has
been extremely helpful to all individuals seeking historical and genealogical information
concerning Upshur County and its surrounding areas. She has dedicated enormous amounts of
time over the past few years in typing, reformatting, and indexing important content collections
held and published by the society. Childress's most recent effort has been to lead a team
compiling and indexing the 1910 and 1920 United States census for Upshur and surrounding
counties. Both these works and a compilation of Upshur County birth records, 1897-1906, were
published in book and CD form.
Nominated by Upshur County Historical Society
Michelle Depp has been working for Rich Mountain Battlefield since 1997,
providing visitor services and organization management for historic sites. Depp's duties have
expanded through the years, and she is now executive director for both Rich Mountain Battlefield
Foundation and Historic Beverly Preservation. She is an outstanding tour guide and an energetic
aggressive project manager, monitoring all the details of a four-building, multi-year rehabilitation
project of the Beverly Heritage Center. She also serves on the boards of the Randolph County
Convention and Visitors Bureau and the West Virginia Association of Museums.
Nominated by Historic Beverly Preservation
Edward Dunleavy
is president and founding member of the Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association
Inc. (SBPA), an organization dedicated to preserving three hundred acres of the site of the Battle
of Shepherdstown as a Civil War national park. Dunleavy has enlisted the support of historians,
educators, county, state and federal officials, and Civil War preservation groups in this effort.
Eighty-four acres have now been preserved and further development of the site is halted. By
educating the public about this previously ignored Civil War battle, Dunleavy has been
instrumental in saving an important part of the area's history. He also sits on the board of
Historic Shepherdstown Commission and is a member of the museum committee.
Nominated by Historic Shepherdstown Commission
Robert Edmunds
joined the Board of the Madie Carroll House Preservation Society in 1994. In addition to serving
as treasurer of the organization, he acts as docent and volunteers as a construction laborer. This
year he assisted with painting the Carroll House's metal roof. Edmunds and others are organizing
a group to plan the preservation and restoration of the historic Keith-Albee Theatre in
Huntington. Edmunds, who oversees maintenance of the historic theatre, is a true historic
preservationist who has also restored his 1904 Victorian home.
Nominated by Madie Carroll House Preservation Society, Inc.
Keith H. Estep is a
member of the Upper Vandalia Historical Society. A native of Nitro, in 2006, he published the
book Growing Up In Nitro, which details the first eighteen years of his life, and provides
a personal perspective on life in the former World War I boom town. Estep's stories of life in
this Kanawha County community have touched former residents around the country.
Nominated by Upper Vandalia Historical Society
Jeanne Finstein is a
major contributor to preserving the history and built environment of Wheeling. She is president
of Friends of Wheeling, a local preservation group, and recently co-authored a book on a
National Road community, Walking Pleasant Valley. Finstein is a member of the board
of directors of the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation and chaired the dedication
ceremony for the new statue of labor leader Walter Reuther. She is a member of the commission
for the National Civil War Memorial proposed for Wheeling and was a facilitator for a national
DVD on the United States Constitution, Foundations of Freedom.
Nominated by Wheeling Area Historical Society
A former Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enrollee, Harlen C. Frederick is an
outstanding promoter and teacher of CCC history. Frederick is an active board member of the
West Virginia State CCC Museum Association and has been instrumental in publicizing the
CCC camp museum, resulting in numerous visitors and the donation of CCC memorabilia.
Thanks to his tireless efforts, six new members have recently joined the association. He has
served as judge of CCC social studies projects and has given extensive, taped interviews about
his life and accomplishments in the CCC. A television documentary on this New Deal program
featuring Frederick aired several times state-wide on PBS last year.
Nominated by West Virginia State CCC Museum Association
Harold D. Garber of
Grant County has inspired several generations to record and preserve family and local history. A
lifelong collector and researcher, he has written about the history of the South Branch Valley,
particularly Grant and Hardy counties. Garber taught history in Grant County schools, Potomac
State College and Shepherd University. He organized the Grant County Historical Society and
served as president for more than thirty years. He reviewed books for West Virginia
History and was a member of the West Virginia Archives and History Commission from
1985 to 1988. He served as Grant County Bicentennial Chairman in 1976. Garber was the editor
of Grant County, Our Heritage, contributed articles to the West Virginia Encyclopedia,
and has written columns for the Grant County Press and the Moorefield
Examiner.
Nominated by Grant County Historical Society, Inc.
Betty Lou
Harmison is one of the founders and current vice president and exhibits chair of
the Museum of the Berkeley Springs. A favorite tour guide for the museum and the community,
she researched and developed the Hotels of Bath exhibit. Harmison is a member of the Town of
Bath Landmark Commission, which is currently undertaking a historical survey of the town. In
1976, she was a one-woman bicentennial committee, developing town historical markers and an
original lot owners walking tour, and hosting officials from Bath, England. Harmison wrote the
National Register of Historic Places nomination for Berkeley Springs State Park. She is a
member of the Morgan County Historical Society and Ye Olde Town of Bath Daughters of the
American Revolution. Harmison generously shares her extensive local archives, and is currently
working on a book about Park View Inn.
Nominated by Museum of the Berkeley Springs
Gwen Hubbard and
Bobbie Elliot formed Brooke County Genealogy, which meets monthly
and publishes a quarterly newsletter. Since 1994, they have worked tirelessly together
accumulating, compiling, and preserving the historical and family records of Brooke County. The
society maintains an active presence on the internet, and the local genealogy library contains
hundreds of their transcriptions of court, cemetery and vital records. They have collected over
three hundred family records, and are generous with their time for persons conducting
genealogical research.
Nominated by Brooke County Genealogy
Doris M. Hatton Jude is
a charter member of the Wayne County Genealogical and Historical Society. She has served as
president, vice president, trustee, member of the board, and acting librarian since the society's
inception. Her tireless efforts in researching and recording archival records and microfilm at the
Huntington Library, the Herald Dispatch and the Wayne County News, as well as
field trips into cemeteries, have produced invaluable information. She was active in Pioneer Days
in Wayne, and Frontier Days at Fort Gay.
Nominated by Wayne County Genealogical and Historical Society
A teacher of ninth grade United States history at Van Devender Junior High School in
Parkersburg, Gerry
Kohler emphasizes the importance of primary documents. She has organized, with
her students, a Junior Historical Society, which has helped in the restoration of two local pioneer
cemeteries. Kohler is first vice president of the Wood County Historical and Preservation
Society. Most recently, she received the 2006 Preserve America History Teacher of the Year
award at a ceremony at the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in New York.
Nominated by Wood County Historical and Preservation Society
When the West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) threatened the demolition of the Historic
Martha Bridge in 2005, Mary Jo
Martin helped found Save the Historic Martha Bridge, Inc., an organization
dedicated to preserving the bridge. After DOH refused to consider a proposal to save key
significant architectural features of the bridge, Martin joined others in requesting a court hearing
on the demolition. This took great courage and perseverance and makes her a true History Hero.
In addition to her work to save the bridge, for over twenty years she has been an active member
in twelve other organizations dedicated to preserving history and heritage.
Nominated by Save the Historic Martha Bridge, Inc.
Helen R. Morris is an
indispensable member of the Calhoun County Historical Society. She can always be counted on
to help out wherever needed and is a cooperative and cheerful worker. She edits the society's
newsletter and handles publicity. An idea person, she organizes fund-raisers, creates displays and
develops programs for monthly meetings. Morris is the society's "good-will" ambassador,
welcoming guests and, when necessary, opening her home for overnight stays. Each year, she
hosts the society's Christmas dinner meeting, and she has permitted the society to store its
archives in one of her buildings while the museum is being renovated.
Nominated by Calhoun County Historical Society
Ginger Nalley is a
charter member of the Tyler County Heritage and Historical Society and is currently serving as
treasurer, a position she has held for the past four years. She worked on histories of Tyler County
published in 1984 and 2005. Nalley has served on important museum projects, preservation of
the Civil War flag and many money-making projects necessary to support the historical society.
She is also a driving force in community endeavors and is active in the National Society
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) as member of the Ohio Valley Chapter DAR, state
director of National Defense, and East Central Division vice chairman of the President
General's project.
Nominated by Tyler County Heritage & Historical Society
Mike Naylor of
Parkersburg is the author of Volcano, West Virginia, a history of this once vibrant oil
community along the Wood/Ritchie County line. Naylor also wrote a history of the Borland
Springs Hotel in Pleasants County.
Nominated by West Augusta Historical & Genealogical Society
Beth Thorne
Newcome, dean of the School of Health and Human Services at Fairmont State,
has been curator of the Masquers Vintage Clothing Collection since 1998. The collection of
nearly 10,000 items is made up of clothing and artifacts dating from 1850-1950. Exhibitions
include a show in the Brooks Gallery at Fairmont State, in conjunction with National Historic
Preservation Week. The collection serves the West Virginia Folklife Center's Museum Studies
degree and is an important resource for students, faculty and the state. Newcome is the recipient
of a Fairmont State Faculty Achievement Award and the WVAFCS Outstanding Faculty in
Higher Education Award.
Nominated by School of Fine Arts Masquers Archives
Michael O'Brien
delights in educating the community about Brooke County history. A member of the Lewis and
Clark Heritage Foundation, he coordinated the 2003 re-enactors' stop at Wellsburg to honor
Patrick Gass. O'Brien portrays Johnny Appleseed at Wellsburg Primary School, as well as during
the Wellsburg Applefest, which he helped establish in 1979. He was selected as Wellsburg
Citizen of the Year in 1995, and received the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Volunteer Award in
2006.
Nominated by Brooke County Historical Museum
Rose Wingo
Peterson joined the Kanawha Valley Genealogical Society (KVGS) in October
1986. She served as first vice president from 1987-1990, and since July 1990 has served as
corresponding secretary. In addition to covering the duties of this office, she has served as the
society's librarian since 1995. Peterson worked with several members of the society to record the
burials in the Spring Hill Cemetery in Charleston, collated the data, and published it in a
four-volume set. She has also been involved in a number of other society publications. Peterson
was honored by the Federation of Genealogical Societies as the 1997 recipient of the
Distinguished Service Award.
Nominated by Kanawha Valley Genealogical Society
James D. Phillips, a
lifelong resident of Tucker County, demonstrates his focused commitment to preserving and
sharing the county's cultural and historic past through his service with the Tucker County
Historical Society. As the volunteer curator of the society's museum, he maintains and promotes
the facility and is an invaluable resource to the public, genealogical researchers, school groups,
and visiting scholars. In the past Phillips has served the organization as its president, vice
president, and is currently a board member. He provides significant original material for the
society's newsletter, works to increase membership, and advocates for the Saint George Academy
and McNeeley Cemetery.
Nominated by Tucker County Historical Society
Mary E. Radabaugh
and Doris M. Radabaugh are retired educators from Wood County
schools. Since 1985, they have filed obituaries published in the Glenville newspapers for
Hacker's Creek Pioneer Descendants Library. Resource persons for those researching their
Gilmer County roots, the Radabaughs have also provided research for cemetery care fund-raising
and for the One-Room School Teachers' Honors and Memorial at Cedar Creek State Park. They
help host the Pisgah Methodist Church Homecoming, and serve on committees for Job's Temple
Homecoming. Doris has written articles on Job's Temple that were published in
Goldenseal magazine and the West Virginia Encyclopedia. Mary and Doris
Radabaugh have published cemetery census books for Gilmer County, edited a genealogy book,
and helped provide historical signs on Lower Cedar Creek Back-Way.
Nominated by Gilmer County Historical Society
Tom Resler is one of
the founders of the Museum of Radio and Technology in Huntington. Past president of the
organization, his efforts have led to recent expansion and enhancement, and the museum is now
recognized as one of the finest of its kind in the world. Resler has been featured in the media
during the past year for developing the concept of a West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
He chaired the committee that chose the initial inductees and oversaw the installation of an
inspiring Hall of Fame exhibit at the museum.
Nominated by Museum of Radio and Technology, Inc.
Nancy Lewellen Roe has served the Wheeling Area Genealogical Society
(WAGS) as its president, vice president, and secretary. She has been a volunteer in the Wheeling
room and has trained others to help. Always a willing worker, Roe gladly volunteers to work at
expos, book sales, fairs, and other events. She has also done research for others and made
contributions to WAGS's Web page on the internet. At present, Roe is compiling Ohio County
Infirmary (Poor Farm) records and Oakland Cemetery records.
Nominated by Wheeling Area Genealogical Society
Michael Rolston, a descendant of the Henderson family, inherited Henderson
Hall in 1984. He left his job in New York and returned to Wood County to devote himself full
time to the care and preservation of the property. Through Rolston's efforts, the site was listed
on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, and it is through his continual guidance that
the mansion remains one of the foremost historical showpieces in Wood County.
Nominated by Wood County Historic Landmarks Commission
Dorothy Dakan
Sedosky is the current vice president and treasurer of the Marshall County
Historical Society, and the current vice regent and chaplain of the Daughters of the American
Revolution. Her other memberships have included the Wheeling Area Genealogical Society and
the Marshall County Landmarks Commission. Sedosky published a 472-page book on her family,
and added an 83-page article about Roseby's Rock, the village where she was born and still
maintains the family home place.
Nominated by Marshall County Historical Society
Woodrow Godolphin "Jay"
Simmons, Jr. is a life member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, helped
organize the local camp, McNeill's Rangers, Camp 582, and has served in various offices in that
organization. He has researched and privately published compiled data on Civil War soldiers and
transcriptions of slave schedules. Simmons has also written articles for the Moorefield
Examiner; and spoken about local history to various organizations. A member of the
Appalachian Blacksmiths Association, he has demonstrated the art of blacksmithing at schools,
fairs, and during the Hardy County Heritage Weekend. Simmons is a former board member and
curator of the Lost River Museum and is presently vice president
of the Hardy County Historical Society.
Nominated by Hardy County Historical Society
Paul A. Smith, pastor
of Piedmont Presbyterian Church in Piedmont, organized the 150th celebration of the Piedmont
Church in November 2006. He spearheaded the year-long celebration and wrote a pictorial
history book of the church that also contains a history of the community. Smith has been a
member of the Mineral County Historical Society for six years, and has been the keynote speaker
at the monthly meetings on three occasions. He leads the society's Christmas program at the
historic Claysville Church every year, is the co-editor of the society's newsletter, and is chaplain
of the society.
Nominated by Mineral County Historical Society
Charles Henry Stone
was born into a river family and grew up near the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio rivers.
His love for the Ohio River began at a young age, and he began to collect anything he could
relating to it. Stone spent his life working on the rivers, and is often featured as a speaker on river
history. He has compiled a large collection of river history preserved for the public's use, and has
been instrumental in the founding and operation of the Point Pleasant River Museum, the only
river museum in West Virginia dedicated solely to preserving the state's rich river history. He
also helped compile The History of the Marietta Manufacturing Company.
Nominated by Point Pleasant River Museum
As a member of the Rowlesburg Area Historical Society, William Timothy
Weaver has been instrumental in helping the society add and upgrade tourist attractions
in the area. He purchased a replica cannon of the Civil War era that was placed on the lot with
the restored depot and caboose. As chairman of the Tourism Committee, Weaver helped add a
tourist information center with brochures and exhibits. He also established a Web site for the
town, its organizations, and its activities, and helped add signage for the town and the
society.
Nominated by Rowlesburg Area Historical Society
Joan Weiskircher
is a dedicated member of the West Virginia Independence Hall Foundation, and is actively
involved in the current fund drive for the West Virginia Civil War Battle Flag permanent exhibit.
During 2006, she researched the foundation's history, developed a Web site and created a
database for the fund-raising campaign. In the community, Weiskircher is involved in organizing
local observances of Black History Month. She has helped to collect and preserve West Virginia
Northern Community College's collections of Hazel Atlas glass and B&O Railroad memorabilia,
and also serves as secretary of the West Virginia Association of Museums board of
directors.
Nominated by West Virginia Independence Hall Foundation
A retired postmaster, Maxine
Weser was named to the Shinnston's Board of Museums in 2002. The board has
since overseen the remodeling of a two story structure, now the Bice-Ferguson Memorial
Museum. In the past year, she has volunteered extensively for the museum, managing other
volunteers, attending workshops, producing items for resale and planning special events. After
donating countless hours to the museum, she recently was hired as its director. She has been a
member of the Shinnston Historical Society for over thirty years and works with the society's
Shinn House. She also volunteers her time to manage the Lowe Public Library's genealogy room,
meeting patrons by appointment to aid them in their record search.
Nominated by City of Shinnston Board of Museums
May Straley White was
one of the founding member of the Hacker's Creek Pioneer Descendants (HCPD) when the
organization was formed in 1982. White and her late husband Charles have been extremely
active members of the organization, and she has served as corresponding secretary for many
years. In this position, she has done extensive hours of research for many people. White is an
avid researcher and her work has added much information to the collection held by the Central
West Virginia Genealogy and History Library. During the past year, she has assumed the task of
indexing a large number of materials to be published by HCPD. White has completed five
volumes that will assist in preserving this information in a manner that will make researching the
material much easier.
Nominated by Hacker's Creek Pioneer Descendants
Jeanne Wray is a
valuable asset to Guyandotte Civil War Days & Raid on Guyandotte. She coordinates the sutlers,
bringing them to the annual event to sell their "period" wares. She is also the scenario/civilian
coordinator, organizing scenarios that help to piece together the actual history of the Guyandotte
area. Wray tries to give the spectators, as well as visiting re-enactors, the proven historical events
during the "Raid on Guyandotte" weekend.
Nominated by Guyandotte Civil War Days & Raid on Guyandotte, Inc.
James Zoia became an
invaluable asset to the Greenbottom Society in 1988 when he joined its fight to get the Historic
Jenkins House restored and opened to the public. Through Congressman Nick Rahall's office, he
has been able to assist with drafting legislation that allowed Culture and History to sub-lease the
historic house and that charged the Army Corps of Engineers with its restoration and
preservation. Zoia is currently helping to draft legislation to require the Corps to spend funds to
restore the home, reconstruct outbuildings and construct a visitor's center.
Nominated by Greenbottom Society, Inc.