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History Hero Award

The History Hero award is bestowed by the executive leadership team of the Historical Society of Michigan. 

The History Hero Award

About the Award

The History Hero award is bestowed by the executive leadership team of the Historical Society of Michigan to a person who, while usually not working directly in the history field, has made significant and lasting contributions that align with the mission of the Historical Society of Michigan and who has given a lifetime of dedication to the preservation and promotion of Michigan’s rich and storied history. The award is usually presented at one of HSM's history conferences.

Bill Anderson receiving the History Hero Award at the 2019 Michigan History Conference.
Award emblems

Looking to Nominate Someone?

Our History Hero Awards are not open for public nominations, but we offer many other awards options that do! We encourage you to check out our State History Awards and Upper Peninsula History Awards to explore those nomination options. If you have any questions about where to start, our awards teams is always available at awards@hsmichigan.org

Previous Awardees of the History Hero Award

Past Winners:

2017     
Ellis "Ned" Brandt of Midland
Presented in person

2018
Avern Cohn, Bloomfield Hills
Presented at the Michigan in Perspective Conference

2018
Richard Santer, Big Rapids
Presented at the Michigan History Conference

2019
Janet Mendler, South Lyon
Presented at the Michigan in Perspective Conference 

2019
James Paquette, Negaunee
Presented at the Upper Peninsula History Conference

2019
William Anderson, Ludington
Presented at the Michigan History Conference

2021     
Leslie Williams, Detroit
Presented at the Michigan in Perspective Conference

2021
Tawny Ryan Nelb, Midland
Presented at the Michigan History Conference

2022
Eugene Wanger, Lansing
Presented at the Michigan History Conference

2023
Chuck Stokes, Southfield
Presented at the Michigan in Perspective: Local History Conference

2023
Diane Schmitigal, Goetzville
Presented at the Upper Peninsula History Conference

Questions? 

Our awards team is ready to help with any of your comments, questions, and more regarding our award programs. Send us an email at awards@hsmichigan.org or call (517) 324-1828 for assistance.