Pioneer Settlement - An Award-Winning Addition!

Here's some news we just had to share on our blog! If you haven't visited Pioneer Settlement yet, here's one more reason to plan a visit yet this season!

The American Association for State & Local History and the Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums recently recognized the accomplishments of Sauder Village with the presentation of two distinguished awards. These state and national organizations honored Pioneer Settlement, the new five-acre addition that opened late last fall, with an “Award of Merit” and a “History Outreach Award”.

The American Association for State & Local History (AASLH) Leadership in History Awards is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history. Now in its 65th year, the AASLH awards program was initiated to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States. The Leadership in History Awards not only honor significant achievements in the field of state and local history, but also brings public recognition of the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions and programs to make contributions in this arena.

Kris Jemmott, Director of Historic Village Operations recently accepted the “Award of Merit” at the AASLH Annual Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Awards for 2010 represented 49 organizations and individuals from across the United States. AASLH is a not-for-profit professional organization of individuals and institutions working to preserve and promote history. From its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, AASLH provides leadership, service, and support for its members who preserve and interpret state and local history in order to make the past more meaningful in American society.

Sauder Village has also been awarded the “History Outreach Award” from the Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums (OAHSM). Tracie Evans, Curator of Collections at Sauder Village, will be accepting the award in Dublin, OH at the OAHSM Annual Meeting and Conference early in October. The OAHSM “History Outreach Awards” recognize outstanding projects that have educational content, have contributed to the promotion and understanding of local and state history and that have had an impact on the community.

The Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums, organized in 1960 under sponsorship of the Ohio Historical Society, is composed of local historical societies, historic preservation groups, history museums, archives, libraries, and genealogical societies throughout the state involved in collecting, preserving, and interpreting Ohio's history. OAHSM has led the state in recognizing the excellent programs, and publications produced by Ohio’s historical societies, museums and related organizations, and the people who make them happen.

“It is such an honor to have our Pioneer Settlement addition recognized at both the state and national level,” commented Kris Jemmott, Director of Historic Village Operations. “Even more encouraging are the wonderful comments we receive from our guests about this new addition. Our guests are educated, entertained and inspired as they hear stories about our ancestors building a community in the wilderness based on ingenuity, creativity, hard work and perseverance.”

The historic homes, farms and community buildings at Pioneer Settlement allow guests to experience life in Ohio from 1834 until 1890. While visiting Pioneer Settlement, guests can connect with the past at places like the Lauber Hill Settlement, Log School House, Witmer-Roth Home and the Eicher Cabin. Other historic buildings in this award-winning area include the Jail, Peter Stuckey Farm, Holdeman Church and a new Train Stop. Throughout the season guests can enjoy a rotation of demonstrations including farming with oxen, gardening, spinning, rug hooking and more. Guests also have the opportunity to try hands-on activities like hauling water with a neck yoke, walking the fields with a harrow, gardening, spell downs and more!