Who in your community has made a difference preserving and promoting Montana history and heritage?

The Montana Historical Society Board of Trustees is seeking nominations for those who best exemplify an ongoing dedication and commitment to preserving and educating Montanans about their history and heritage.

The Trustees will select a person or group from western Montana and one from eastern Montana for these awards that celebrate the best in preservation of Montana’s heritage.

The annual Heritage Keepers Awards will be presented at the Montana History Conference Sept. 19 through 21 this year at the MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney Sept 19 – 21.The theme of this year’s conference is “Boom & Bust! Extracting the Past.”

“Hundreds of people across the state work tirelessly every day across Montana to preserve the special stories and places that make their communities and areas unique,” Trustee Chairman Steve Lozar said. “This is our highest award and our chance to say thank you on behalf of all those who cherish Montana history and heritage.”

Anyone can make a nomination of a living individual or currently active group that has demonstrated commitment to a significant Montana history goal that results in projects, objects or property that contribute to the general public’s Montana history knowledge or education. The nominees should show a commitment to their goal beyond the confines of making a livelihood.

Those that can be nominated can include cultural groups, artists, educators, authors, genealogists, historians, preservationists, archivist and historical groups and clubs.

Criteria for judging includes how well the nominee’s project enhances, promotes and encourages the interest within its particular area. Those areas include historic building preservation, research, historical literature, fine art history, historical reenactments, and efforts that promote, encourage and educate future generations to keep the legacy of Montana history alive.

Nomination forms and instructions for the Montana Heritage Keepers Award are available on the Society web page as is a list of past award recipients.

If you have specific questions or need more assistance call MHS Development and Marketing Officer Susan Near 406-444-4713 or email snear@mt.gov. The nomination form must be submitted no later than April 1.