BOISE, Idaho — More than a dozen individuals and groups were honored Monday night for the their work to preserve and promote Idaho's history.
The recently remodeled Idaho State Museum hosted more than 200 guests for the 20th annual Esto Perpetua Awards ceremony.
Several Boise residents were among this year's award recipients, including state Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb, a founding board member of the Idaho Black History Museum. Also honored were Judy Austin, a historian who advises Idaho Public Television and is an active member of the Western History Association; Ana Maria Schactell, who spearheaded creation of the Idaho Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho; and Todd Shallat, director of the Center of Idaho History and Politics.
The honorees were chosen in a process that began with a call for nominations last winter.
"Typically it is people who have done great work in history over time," said Janet L. Gallimore, executive director of the Idaho State Historical Society. "What our board is really interested in recognizing is the breadth and depth of work that it takes to make sure that history is relevant, history is meeting social needs, and history is educating."
The Esto Perpeputa Award takes its name from the Idaho state motto - which means "Let it be forever."
Here's a look at each of this year's award winners:
Robert Singletary, Coeur d'Alene
- Active in a variety of historical organizations at the local, state and national levels
- Conducts public workshops, lectures, tours and living history programs throughout North Idaho
- Program and Marketing Director of the Museum of North Idaho since 2012
Leanne Campbell, Plummer
- Dedicated years obtaining knowledge on the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's traditional arts and language
- Working in preserving the cultural traditions of the Tribe
- Master and dedicated teacher of her arts and knowledge
Friends of Cordelia, Moscow
- Exemplary accomplishments in the preservation of the oldest Lutheran structure in Idaho
- The group and predecessors have maintained this church in rural Latah County for more than 100 years
Keith Petersen, Pullman, WA
- Idaho Coordinator, Lewis and Clark Bicentennial
- Led the interpretive team for the new Idaho State Museum's history exhibition galleries
- Keith and his wife Mary Reed volunteer at the Historical Museum at the Monastery of St. Gertrude, creating new exhibit galleries
Marla and Morris Krigbaum, New Meadows
- Since 1978 dedicated time and efforts to the Adams County Historical Society and the restoration of the P&IN Railway Depot building
- Each has served as officers in the ACHS including president
Judy Austin, Boise
- Advisor and researcher to Idaho Public Television for shows like "Outdoor Idaho," "Idaho Experience," "Dialogue, "Capitol of Light"
- Historian in Idaho who everyone calls on
- Active member of the Western History Association
Ana Maria Schachtell, Boise
- Spearheaded creation of the Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho
- Project director of the Idaho Corrido Music Project (2010-2014)
- Participated in the Jesus Urquides Memorial project established by the City of Boise during its Sesquicentennial Celebration
Todd Shallat, Boise
- Director Center of Idaho History and Politics
- Worked with City of Boise establishing First Thursday Fettucine Forum
- Author, editor-coauthor of books on history, engineering and deserts
Cherie Buckner-Webb, Boise
- Founding board member of the Idaho Black History Museum
Russell Tremayne, Twin Falls
- Author and coauthor several publications: The History of Hillcrest Country Club, Surviving Minidoka
- Served on the Board for the Friends of Minidoka, and the Idaho Humanities Council
- Vice president of Preservation Twin Falls
Randy Dixon, Pocatello
- Spearheading the restoration of the chief Theatre in Pocatello
- Leadership and efforts to preserve Brady Park
- Vice president of the Bannock County Historic Museum since 2016
Relight the Night Committee, Pocatello
- Securing the neon signs in Pocatello Old Town historic district remain embedded in the fabric of city
- Education efforts with this project in keeping the community vested in Pocatello's historic districts
Mary Jane Groberg Fritzen, Idaho Falls, Memorial Recognition
- Founding Chair, Bonneville County Heritage Association and Chair until 2012
- Author of several books and articles on local people and Bonneville County history