Our Local Black History Trail Wins National Award!

Here is the press release announcing our award!  

Black History Trail of Geary County, Inc.

Wins 2024 National AASLH Award of Excellence

            NASHVILLE, TN—June 2024—The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) proudly announces that the Black History Trail of Geary County is the recipient of an Award of Excellence for Phase 1, The Establishment of Six Sites in Junction City, Kansas. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 79th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

The winning project included the dedication of six sites commemorating  local Black history:  VFW Post #8773; Ward Chapel A.M.E. (first structure and current building); Second Missionary Baptist Church; Church of God; New Church of the Living God; and Rathert Field.   Dedication involved erecting professionally created all-weather signs with basic information and QR codes linking to more information and a celebratory dinner and/or reception to which the whole community was invited. 

This year, AASLH confers 47 national awards honoring people, projects, exhibits, and publications. The winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history.

            The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards not only honor

significant achievement in the field of state and local history, but also bring public recognition of the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions, and programs to make contributions in this arena. For more information about the Leadership in History Awards, contact AASLH at 615-320-3203 or go to www.aaslh.org.