Wisconsin Historical Society Announces 2022 Board of Curators Award Winners

Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Historical Society is pleased to announce the 2022 winners of the annual Board of Curators Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations across the state for exceptional work consistent with the Society’s mission to connect people to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Board of Curators is the Wisconsin Historical Society’s governing body and is composed of both elected and appointed members from across Wisconsin.

“It is always inspiring to hear about the work being done across Wisconsin by individuals and organizations that are committed to preserving and sharing stories that connect people to history in ways that also enrich the future,” said Christian Overland, the Ruth and Hartley Barker Director & CEO for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “The Board of Curators Awards are one way the Society sparks enthusiasm for history in communities across the state and recognizes excellent work in our field.”

The Board of Curators received nearly 50 nominations this year and is pleased to announce the following award recipients:

Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History: Presented annually to one affiliated historical organization for continued excellence and overall service to its community over a period of at least five years. The trophy is held by the winning affiliate for one year.

• Ripon Historical Society

The Ripon Historical Society has demonstrated excellence in collecting, preserving and sharing local history since 1899. The 2022 Thwaites Trophy recognizes the Ripon Historical Society's commitment to strengthening the organization through community partnerships, relevant public programming and telling stories that reach new audiences.

Book of Merit Award  

• The Birdman of Koshkonong: The Life of Naturalist Thure Kumlien, by Martha Bergland, published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press
• The Greatest Story in Sports: Green Bay Packers 1919- 2019, by Cliff Christl, published by KCI Sports Publishing

Genealogy-Family History Book Award (in partnership with Wisconsin Genealogy Society)

• Pankratz Genealogy: 1217-1940, by Chuck Pankratz

Governor’s Archives Awards (in partnership with Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board)

• Archival Achievement: School Sisters of Notre Dame North American Archives
• Archival Innovation: Wisconsin Register of Deeds Association (WRDA)

Historic Preservation and Historic Restoration Awards

• Preservation Award: Jim Bokern, for documentation and interpretation of CCC Camp Mercer
• Restoration Award (budget greater than $1 million): MSI General Corp, The Riviera Lake Geneva
• Restoration Award (budget under $1 million): City of Madison, Gates of Heaven Synagogue
• Honorary 2022 Preservation Award: Dane County Sherriff’s Office Dive Team

Museum Exhibit Award

• Jefferson Historical Society, The Beer That Made Milwaukee Jealous

Public Program Award

• Enduring Families Project, a program of the La Crosse County Historical Society

For information on award criteria, nominations and deadlines visit: https://wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15291

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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