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Upper Peninsula History Awards

Celebrating those who preserve and promote the history of the Upper Peninsula.

The Upper Peninsula History Awards

The Upper Peninsula History Award Logo

About the U.P. History Awards

Each year, the Historical Society of Michigan presents two awards at the Upper Peninsula History Conference: the Charles Follo Award for individuals and the Superior Award for historical organizations based in the Upper Peninsula.

Anyone, regardless of affiliation or experience in the history field, can nominate an individual or organization for an Upper Peninsula History Award! Learn more about the nomination process and categories below.

Nominations are currently open for the 2024 Upper Peninsula History Awards. Learn more about the nomination process below and submit yours today before Friday, April 26, 2024, at 5 p.m. EST.

Do you know an individual or historical organization that has done marvelous things to preserve and promote the history of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? That has given their all to successfully preserve a historic home, industrial complex, streetscape, or archeological site? A person or organization that has interviewed and recorded the memories of older citizens before their passing or tirelessly researched and documented the history of your community? Someone who has volunteered their time for years at the local historical society or archives?

Chuck Stokes presenting at a conference

For individuals, consider nominating that person for the Charles Follo Award. Named in honor of Charles Follo, a schoolteacher from Escanaba who worked to establish historical societies and promote the history of the Upper Peninsula, the Charles Follo Award is presented annually by the Historical Society of Michigan to the individual who has made the most outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of U.P. history.

For historical organizations, consider nominating them for the Superior Award, established by the Historical Society of Michigan in 2006. The Superior Award recognizes historical societies, museums, and other historical organizations that have preserved and advanced U.P. history.

Russell Magnaghi receiving an Upper Peninsula History Award in 2018.

Want to Nominate Someone For a Upper Peninsula History Award?

Anyone, regardless of experience or credentials, can nominate a worthy candidate to be considered for a Upper Peninsula History Award. Learn more about the award nomination process below. 

Picnic in UP during conference Large crowd at a conference Russell Magnaghi receiving an Upper Peninsula History Award in 2018. Lindsey Hiltunen receiving an Upper Peninsula History Award in 2019.

Who can nominate someone?

Anyone, regardless of experience or credentials, can nominate a worthy candidate to be considered for a Upper Peninsula History Award. Self nominations are welcomed.

What are the categories?

For individuals, consider nominating that person for the Charles Follo Award. Named in honor of Charles Follo, a schoolteacher from Escanaba who worked to establish historical societies and promote the history of the Upper Peninsula, the Charles Follo Award is presented annually by the Historical Society of Michigan to the individual who has made the most outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of U.P. history.

For historical organizations, consider nominating them for the Superior Award, established by the Historical Society of Michigan in 2006. The Superior Award recognizes historical societies, museums, and other historical organizations that have preserved and advanced U.P. history.

Nominate here.

How do I know if my nomination won?

Everyone submitting a Upper Peninsula History Award nomination is contacted after the Nomination and Awards Committee has made its final decisions.

Who are the previous winners of U.P. History Awards?

Charles Follo Award

2023: Ann Jousma-Miller
2022: Theresa Weller
2021: Virginia Cymbalist
2020: Mikel Bruce Classen
2019: Frederick Stonehouse
2018: Lindsay Hiltunen
2017: Rev. Robert Langseth
2016: Mary M. June
2015: Ivan Hellen
2014: Marilyn Fischer
2013: William J. Cummings
2012: Bernard J. Arbic
2011: Erik Nordberg
2010: Nancy Steinhaus
2009: Carol Taylor
2008: Robert Money
2007: Bruce Johanson
2006: Tom Friggins
2005: Russell Magnaghi
2004: Donnell R. Mitchell (Deceased), Iron Mountain
2003: Theresa Sanderson Spence
2002: Yvonne Hogue-Peer (Deceased)
2001: Mr. and Mrs. Howard Maki
2000: Dr. Loren Graham
1999: Clara Mosenfelder
1998: Annegret Goehring
1997: Thomas L. Farnquist and William E. Vandament
1996: John Maitland (Deceased)
1994: Frank R. Bartol
1993: Ray Maurin
1992: Clarence Monette (Deceased)
1991: James Carter
1990: Charles Willman
1989: Florence (Alex) Meron
1988: Beatrice Blomquist
1987: Faye Swanburg
1986: David Halkola (Deceased)
1985: Reeta Freeborn
1984: Minnie Ida Mattson (Deceased)
1983: Michael Anuta
1982: Isabella Sullivan
1981: Burt Boyum
1980: Harold and Marcia Bernhardt
1979: Jean Worth

Superior Award

2023: Central Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan Archives
2022: Iron Ore Heritage Trail
2021: Tahquamenon Logging Museum
2020: Bay Mills Indian Community’s History Department
2019: Finnish American Heritage Center
2018: Center for Upper Peninsula Studies
2017: Delta County Historical Society
2016: Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society
2015: Negaunee Historical Society
2014: Les Cheneaux Historical Association
2013: Marquette Regional History Center
2012: Gulliver Historical Society
2011: Iron County Historical Museum
2010: Bayliss Public Library
2009: Keweenaw County Historical Society
2008: Cliffs Shaft Mining Museum
2007: Bay Mills-Brimley Historical Society
2006: DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society

Recent Awardees

Lindsey Hiltunen receiving an Upper Peninsula History Award in 2019.

The 2023 Winners 

Charles Follo Award: Ann Jousma-Miller of Gladstone, Michigan

Superior Award: Central Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan Archives

The Upper Peninsula History Conference

Our Upper Peninsula History Awards are presented each year at the Upper Peninsula History Conference (UPHC). An annual event that travels throughout the Upper Peninsula visiting new locations each year, the UPHC celebrates the unique history of the region in an exciting weekend filled with tours, keynotes, breakout sessions, and more. Don't miss out on all of the fun—join us at the next one!

Blue booklet cover of the Upper Peninsula History Conference, featuring an image of Nancy Harkness Love, the historic Dickinson County Courthouse, the Cornish Pump, and sled dogs.

Questions? 

Our awards team is ready to help with any of your comments, questions, and more regarding the Upper Peninsula History Awards and its nomination process. Send them an email at awards@hsmichigan.org or call (517) 324-1828 for assistance.