CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Department of Tourism has announced the recipients of the 2026 History Heroes Awards, recognizing volunteers and preservation advocates who have helped safeguard the state’s rich historical legacy for future generations.
The annual awards honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to local museums, historical societies, preservation organizations, genealogy groups, and community history projects across West Virginia.’
This year’s recipients represent communities from the Eastern Panhandle to the Ohio Valley and from the highlands of Preston County to the historic towns of southern West Virginia.
Ennis Smith, deputy secretary for the W.Va. Department of Tourism, emphasized the role of stewards of history in West Virginia and the value of the history heroes program in recognizing them.
“Museums and historical societies across the state depend on volunteers to steward their important collections and share our history with the next generation,” Smith said. “These awards are one way we can recognize the tremendous time and talent volunteers at these organizations contribute every day.”
The History Heroes Awards have become one of the state’s highest honors for local history volunteers. While many recipients work quietly behind the scenes, their contributions often make the difference between historic resources being preserved and lost.
From maintaining Civil War sites and restoring historic buildings to researching genealogy and educating schoolchildren, the award recipients represent a broad spectrum of preservation efforts across West Virginia.
Preserving Historic Sites and Collections
Among the honorees is Robert Ayersman II of the Rowlesburg Area Historical Society, whose nearly three decades of service have helped preserve important historic sites in Preston County.
As vice president of the society, Ayersman has overseen drainage improvements, road grading, fencing projects, and other infrastructure work at the Cannon Hill Civil War site. His volunteer efforts have also included maintaining historic buildings and developing interpretive signage that makes local history more accessible to visitors.
In Marshall County, Tina Conner was recognized for helping prepare a newly acquired museum building while maintaining and organizing the historical society’s existing museum. Her efforts have helped ensure that local artifacts and historical materials remain available to the public as the organization transitions to a new chapter.
Bonnie Young, of Summers County, was honored for transforming a century-old elementary school in Pipestem from a building slated for demolition into a thriving museum and community center.
Through the creation of a nonprofit organization and extensive fundraising and restoration, the former school now serves as the Pipestem Elementary School Museum, preserving both educational and local history for future generations.
Celebrating Shepherdstown’s Revolutionary History
Several recipients were honored for their work commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Bee Line March, an important Revolutionary War-era event associated with Shepherdstown.
Donna Bertazzoni, a docent at the Historic Shepherdstown Museum since 2017, played a key role in developing educational materials and coordinating anniversary events.
Her work included organizing seminars, ceremonies, and reenactments, and helping create an interactive map that gained national attention in Smithsonian Magazine.
Peter Smith was also recognized for decades of leadership in promoting Shepherdstown’s history. Over the years, he has organized numerous community celebrations and historical events, including the town’s 250th anniversary in 2012.
More recently, he chaired Shepherdstown’s commemoration of the Bee Line March anniversary, bringing together local, state, and federal organizations to honor the historic event.
Protecting West Virginia’s Architectural Heritage
Historic preservation emerged as a recurring theme among many of this year’s History Heroes.
Debbie Griffin, president of Ritchietown Renaissance, was honored for her leadership in preserving historic buildings in South Wheeling. Under her direction, the organization has worked to save threatened structures, assist homeowners with repairs and educate residents about neighborhood history.
Her efforts have included National Register nominations, historical surveys and extensive research documenting the city’s architectural heritage.
Betsy Sweeny was recognized for her service to the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, where she has helped organize statewide preservation conferences and strategic planning initiatives.
Beyond her volunteer work, she has become known for educating broader audiences about architecture, preservation, and traditional trades through social media and public outreach.
Mary West, of Arthurdale, received recognition for helping secure the future of one of West Virginia’s most historically significant communities.
As chair of the Arthurdale Heritage Board of Directors, she has guided strategic planning and supported projects to preserve the New Deal-era community’s historic structures and collections. She has also been involved in efforts to rehabilitate the former Arthurdale High School.
Historians, Authors and Researchers Honored
The 2026 History Heroes Awards also celebrated individuals whose research has expanded public understanding of West Virginia history.
Wayne Farley was recognized for decades of collecting and researching historical documents, postal history, and ephemera related to West Virginia. Since 1980, he has authored numerous articles and monographs and has shared his expertise with philatelic organizations and Civil War groups.
Civil War historian and author Terry Lowry received recognition for writing eight books and numerous articles on West Virginia’s role in the conflict.
A retired historian with West Virginia Archives and History, Lowry has spent decades interpreting the state’s past through lectures, publications, archaeology, and living history programs.
George S. Swann was honored for nearly a decade of genealogy and cemetery research focused on Civil War soldiers and their descendants. His work documenting family histories and preserving cemetery records has helped safeguard important pieces of West Virginia’s historical record.
Barbara and J. Brown Norton were recognized for their longstanding efforts to preserve the history of Paw Paw and Morgan County.
Founding members of the Morgan County Historical and Genealogical Society, the couple has spent decades researching local history, contributing to books and videos, and supporting National Register nominations for historic buildings.
Bringing History to Life
Several recipients were honored for using reenactments and living history programs to connect modern audiences with the past.
Fred Harmon has devoted more than three decades to authentic living history interpretation, mentoring young reenactors and supporting educational events statewide.
His work with organizations such as Circle Seven Ranch has strengthened historical interpretation programs and introduced countless visitors to West Virginia’s history.
Melanie Wray was recognized for helping ensure the continued success of Guyandotte Civil War Days despite significant logistical challenges. Her efforts secured a new venue for the event while ensuring that community food assistance programs could continue uninterrupted.
Mary Ellen Reid, of Wayne County, was honored for her work as a historical interpreter and reenactor, as well as for her dedication to maintaining the resources and operations of the Wayne County Genealogical and Historical Society.
Earl and Zach Parsons were recognized for their service to the Madie Carroll House Preservation Society, where they have served as docents, recruited members, organized events, and delivered educational programs to schoolchildren. Their efforts have helped make local history more accessible to visitors and students alike.
Community Leaders Behind the Scenes
Many of the award recipients have devoted years of volunteer service to organizations that rely heavily on community support.
Janice Cooley was honored for her leadership with the Greenbrier Historical Society and for preserving the stories of communities throughout the Greenbrier Valley.
Her portrayal of Nancy Perkins Calendar helped bring wider recognition to an important figure in regional history and contributed to her receiving the National Black Storytellers Fellowship Award.
Dorothy “Bibbee” Enoch was recognized for years of service with the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society, where she has organized programs, documented restoration projects, maintained gardens, and contributed articles to the organization’s publications.
Bill Graley was honored for more than five decades of involvement with the St. Albans Historical Society, including efforts to restore historic structures, preserve cemeteries, and share local history through public tours and archival donations.
Ruth Ellen D. Ferry Mooney was recognized for her leadership within the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of West Virginia and for strengthening organizational governance and public outreach.
Preserving History for Future Generations
Smith says the 2026 History Heroes Awards illustrate the depth of volunteer commitment supporting local history organizations throughout West Virginia.
From preserving historic buildings and archives to organizing commemorations, conducting research and educating the public, the recipients represent thousands of hours of service dedicated to protecting the Mountain State’s heritage.
While many of their contributions occur outside public view, she and other state officials say those efforts remain essential to preserving the stories, places and traditions that define West Virginia.
Through their dedication, Smith says, the 2026 History Heroes award recipients have ensured that future generations will continue to have opportunities to explore, understand and appreciate the people and events that shaped the state’s past.
About the W.Va. History Heroes Awards
For three decades, groups and organizations dedicated to preserving and disseminating West Virginia’s history and historical resources have honored the dedication and labor of their most significant contributor through the annual History Day “History Heroes” awards held at the state capitol.
History Heroes are individuals who go beyond the call of duty to ensure the success of local history, genealogy, preservation, and museum organizations. The contributions of all History Heroes have been recognized during History Day programs, with most honorees present to receive their awards.
Their combined work is most deserving of this statewide public recognition. These recipients have been recognized for their grassroots efforts, years of dedicated behind-the-scenes service, or for a significant contribution such as preserving a site or collection or publishing a work of family or local history.
For more information on past History Heroes, visit the Meet West Virginia’s History Heroes page through the W.Va. Division of Culture & History.