East Tennessee Historical Society honors history initiatives across the region with Awards of Excellence
Thirty-six awards were presented to recipients representing 15 East Tennessee counties, as well as two out-of-state projects.
The East Tennessee Historical Society’s (ETHS) annual Awards of Excellence were presented at the organization’s awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 5, at the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville. Since 1982, ETHS has annually recognized individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the preservation, promotion, and interpretation of the region’s history. Eligible projects included exhibits, lectures, conferences, publications, print and broadcast media, teaching excellence, and lifetime achievement. Thirty-six awards were presented this year to recipients representing 15 East Tennessee counties, as well as two out-of-state recipients.
“This represents more than the excellent work conducted across East Tennessee,” said Dr. Warren Dockter, president and CEO of the East Tennessee Historical Society. “The award recipients with us this evening serve as models of dedication to love of place, giving of themselves to preserve our region’s history.”
Following a barbeque dinner, awards were given in the following categories:
Teaching Excellence – In recognition of outstanding or innovative teaching of history at any level, grades one through adult education.
History in the Media – Presented to someone in the field of broadcast, print media, or internet for outstanding contributions to the promotion of our region’s history.
Project Excellence – In recognition of a special project, such as a permanent, feature, or traveling exhibition; building preservation; or special programming (conference, genealogy event, lecture series, other) produced by an individual or organization.
Publication Excellence – In recognition of excellence in a publication such as an article, book, essay, family genealogy, or other.
Community History Leadership – In recognition of excellence in community leadership, specifically in promoting the preservation of local /regional history and heritage
Lifetime Achievement – Is the Society’s most prestigious award and is reserved for one, who, over the course of a lifetime, has made outstanding contributions to the understanding and preservation of East Tennessee history.
Anderson County
Ben Barrington – Publication Excellence Award
Manhattan Project National Historical Park, Norris Dam State Park, and Green McAdoo Cultural Center – Teaching Excellence Award
Blount County
Trevor Lanier & Tommy Stokes – Project Excellence Award
Campbell County
Mark Tidwell – Community History Leadership Award
Cobb County, GA
John D. Fowler – Publication Excellence Award
Davidson County
Jennifer Core – Publication Excellence Award
Kem Hinton – Publication Excellence Award
DeKalb County, GA
Ren & Helen Davis – Publication Excellence Award
Hamblen County
Karen Nunan – Publication Excellence Award
Knox County
Ashley Wachter – Project Excellence Award
Barbara Boulton & Gay Hobt Morton – Tennessee Association of Museums Volunteerism Award
Debra Pack Gilberstadt & Deborah Miller Lindsey – Publication Excellence Award
East Tennessee PBS – History in the Media Award
Farragut Museum – Project Excellence Award & Publication Excellence Award
Front Page Foundation – Project Excellence Award
John Becker – History in the Media Award
Kharmon Anderson – Publication Excellence Award
McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture – Project Excellence Award
Patricia Rutenberg – Teaching Excellence Award
Ray Hill – Publication Excellence Award
Loudon County
Anita King McCollum – Publication Excellence Award
McMinn County
James Swayne – Publication Excellence Award
Jordan Carter – Teaching Excellence Award
McMinn County Historical Society – History in the Media Award
Monroe County
Fort Loudoun State Park – Teaching Excellence Award
Rhea County
Rhea County Historical Society – Project Excellence Award
Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation – History in the Media Award
Roane County
Terry Futrell – History in Media Award & Publication Excellence Award
Rutherford County
Dr. Carroll Van West – Ramsey Lifetime Achievement Award
Scott County
David Jeffers, Scott County Historical Society – Community History Leadership Award
Sevier County
Leslie “Les” Williams – Project Excellence Award
Washington County
Ted Olson – Project Excellence Award
Williamson County
Janet S. Hasson – Publication Excellence Award
About the East Tennessee Historical Society
Founded in 1834, the East Tennessee Historical Society encourages the collection and preservation of the stories, artifacts, photographs, diaries, and official records documenting the individual lives and shared history of East Tenensseans.
The Society is one of the most active regional historical organizations in the southeast. History is brought to life through a world-class, award-winning museum, traveling exhibitions, K-12 education and the First Families of Tennessee heritage program, which comprises the largest collection of documentation on the state’s first citizens and their families.
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