Historical Society of Michigan 5815 Executive Dr. Lansing, MI 48911 Contact: Nancy Feldbush (517) 324-1828 <mailto:feldbush@hsmichigan.org> feldbush@hsmichigan.org For Immediate Release UPPER PENINSULA HISTORY AWARDS PRESENTED TO IVAN HELLEN AND NEGAUNEE HISTORICAL SOCIETY IRONWOOD, Mich.- Ivan Hellen and the Negaunee Historical Society won top honors at the Historical Society of Michigan's 66th annual Upper Peninsula History Conference in Ironwood, Mich., for their outstanding efforts to preserve and promote the history of the Upper Peninsula. Hellen, who hails from Ironwood, Mich., received the Charles Follo Award, which acknowledges the work of an individual. The Superior Award, which recognizes the achievements of historical societies, museums and other history-related organizations, was awarded to the Negaunee Historical Society, located in Negaunee, Mich. The awards were presented during the Society's Upper Peninsula History Awards Banquet that took place at Tacconelli's Down Towne in Ironwood, Mich., on June 27, 2015. For more information about the Historical Society of Michigan and its award programs, visit <http://www.hsmichigan.org> www.hsmichigan.org or call (517) 324-1828. THE 2015 CHARLES FOLLO AWARD The Charles Follo Award was established in 1979 and is named in honor of Charles Follo, a school teacher from Escanaba who worked to establish historical societies and promote the history of the Upper Peninsula. This 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 Upper Peninsula history. This year, the Society awarded the Charles Follo Award to Ivan Hellen, who has been a driving force in preserving both local history and Upper Peninsula history. Hellen is committed to local history preservation, and he has proven his dedication by volunteering umpteen hours to raising funds; educating people about local history; and researching, designing and building displays for the local township museum. THE 2015 SUPERIOR AWARD Established by the Historical Society of Michigan in 2006, the Superior Award recognizes historical societies, museums and other historical organizations that preserve and advance Upper Peninsula history. The 2015 Superior Award recipient has accomplished much since its founding in the early 1980s. The Negaunee Historical Society established-and now successfully runs-a museum honoring the heritage of their community. The museum offers extensive displays ranging from mining, sports, military and businesses to Native American artifacts and household items. Various educational programs are also offered throughout the year for the young and the young at heart to learn and explore the community's rich cultural history. The Historical Society of Michigan is our state's oldest cultural organization, founded in 1828 by territorial governor Lewis Cass and explorer Henry Schoolcraft. A nongovernmental nonprofit, the Society focuses on publications, conferences, education, awards and recognition programming, and support for local history organizations to preserve and promote Michigan's rich history. # # # For high-resolution photos of the winners, please contact the Historical Society of Michigan. This e-mail is sent to our members and friends to keep you updated on historical activities and opportunities to learn more about our state's history. To opt-out, please respond to this e-mail with "remove" in the subject line.