The American Helicopter Museum, Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, the Newtown Square Historical Society, and New Hope Historical Society volunteer Roy Ziegler are among the honorees for the second annual History in Pennsylvania “HIP” Awards. The awards will be presented at the History Affiliates Reception on October 24, 2013.
The awards, presented to small and mid-sized history and heritage organizations in Southeastern Pennsylvania, recognize excellence and innovation in the field. The reception, sponsored by PNC, will be held from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. The keynote speaker will be Bill Marimow, editor of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at hsp.org/hipawards.
Awards honor exceptional educational and public programs, community partnership projects, and stewardship and collections care. This year’s awardees come from all across Southeastern Pennsylvania, representing Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties. The 2013 honorees are:
- Roy Ziegler, longtime volunteer at the New Hope Historical Society, author, and chair of New Hope History Day;
- American Helicopter Museum for its University Public History Program in which West Chester University students worked with museum volunteers to write audio scripts for exhibits;
- Delawarecountyhistory.com for its partnership with the Delaware County Historic & Preservation Network, which fosters better communication and cooperation between historic societies all over Delaware County;
- Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion for its Upstairs/Downstairs Interpretation, which focuses on the lives of women of all socioeconomic backgrounds during the Victorian era;
- Grumblethrope for its youth volunteer program, which teaches students in 6th grade through high school how to give tours, take care of a two-acre garden, run the farm stand, and other life skills;
- Newtown Square Historical Society for its Paper Mill House School Tour, in which homeschoolers of all ages interpret history and act as tour guides;
- Fairmont Park Historic Preservation Trust for its long-term leasing program, which finds innovative uses for historic buildings in the park by leasing them to commercial and nonprofit organizations;
- Perkasie Historical Society for the restoration of its museum and reorganization and preservation of its collection;
- Upper Darby Historical Society for its Collen Brook Farm School Tours, in which volunteer guides give tours every spring to 1,000 third grade students; and
- Arrive Magazine, Amtrak’s bimonthly onboard magazine for the Acela Express train covering the Northeast Corridor that provides a unique and intelligent view of America’s most urban centers of commerce, government, and the arts
“We are thrilled to recognize these 10 individuals and organizations who are innovators in their field,” says Prudence Haines, director of History Affiliates. “These history and heritage organizations—some of them run entirely by volunteers—have done a tremendous job educating the public, caring for historic houses and collections, and working collaboratively. It is important to shine the spotlight on them and acknowledge them for their hard work and dedication to the preservation of history.”
The HIP Awards are presented by History Affiliates, a program created by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and supported by The Barra Foundation. History Affiliates includes more than 350 small and mid-sized organizations across Southeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to preserving local history. The History Affiliates program connects these organizations to one another and gives them the tools and support they need to reach their goals. By working together, we will raise awareness of the importance of local history, advocate with a strong and unified voice, and strengthen our entire community.
Membership in History Affiliates is free. Members receive a monthly e-newsletter, discounts to professional development events, and access to a members directory and industry resources.