2017 Four Rivers Heritage Award Winners

This award recognizes an outstanding heritage tourism product created in the past year. Eligible products include exhibits, events, programs, self-guided or guided tours, audiotours, videos/CDs/podcasts, interpretive brochures, publications and websites. The 2017 award recognizes the “Twentieth-Century Beach Resorts” project for an inspiring and collaborative effort that shares the history of our local beach communities. The team behind this project included Anne Arundel County Department of Planning and Zoning’s Cultural Resource Division, Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks, Anne Arundel County Trust for Preservation, and the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.

This award recognizes an author, archaeologist, architect, artist, exhibits/publications designer, historian, natural resource professional, preservationist, professional staff person, or researcher, for significant professional contributions to heritage interpretation, stewardship, and/or education in the past year. The 2017 award recognizes Lisa Robbins of Historic Annapolis for her innovative approaches to historic education and interpretation.

This award recognizes an outstanding volunteer who has made a significant difference to the growth, sustainability, programming, or other essential element of a non-profit or for-profit heritage organization. The 2017 honoree is Roger Marshall for his tireless and unsung efforts in strengthening communities and promoting our area’s heritage.

This award recognizes a heritage interpreter-docent, educator, tour guide, volunteer-in a non-profit or for-profit heritage organization, who provides outstanding factual, and educational information to the public. The 2017 award recognizes Pat Turlington of Watermark for her long-term contributions to engaging audiences through historical interpretation.

This award recognizes an outstanding regional partnership in heritage interpretation, preservation, stewardship, and/or education. The 2017 award goes to the Ruth Starr Rose in Annapolis Organizing Committee for bringing together a passionate group of stakeholders in celebration of history, family, art, and storytelling. Members of the Organizing Committee include The Elizabeth Myers Mitchell Gallery of St. John’s College, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Historic Annapolis, the City of Annapolis, the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, the Northern Arundel Cultural Preservation Society, and Ramocille Johnson with the Extensions of Faith Praise Choir.

This award recognizes an individual, family, organization, or business in the heritage area that demonstrates outstanding leadership in a stewardship capacity. The 2017 awardee is John Gudas of the Annapolis Maritime Museum for his commitment to preserving Annapolis’ maritime history.

The Leadership Award is named for the long-time former Chair of the Four Rivers Heritage Area Board, Patricia Barland. For this award, we look for an individual whose career reflects a broad vision and reach, a lasting dedication to our community, and a long career that has strengthened the depth and vitality of our local heritage. The 2017 Patricia Barland Leadership Award recognized scholar and historian Dr. Jean B. Russo for her tireless and generous dedication to ensuring the accuracy of the historical record of our area.