• Disclaimer: Photo taken prior to COVID-19.

INGHAM COUNTY - Each year, the Ingham County Historical Commission selects one person to receive the Ingham County Heritage Award. This award is presented to someone whose projects and efforts have helped preserve and promote the county’s heritage.

For the first time, five locals were selected to receive the 2020 Heritage Award. The recipients displayed excellence in their knowledge of local history and helped spread their understanding throughout the community.

Among those who were honored with this prestigious award was Jane Rose, former executive director of the Meridian Historical Village. Rose served in this role for 17 years, and during this time her efforts led to growth of the museum and preservation of its artifacts. She also wrote a piece on Meridian Township’s history that was published by Arcadia Publishing, a company that publishes pieces about hometown life and community history.

Other recipients were genealogist Lille Foster, Williamston teacher Mitch Lutzke, researcher and writer Jim MacLean, and Friends of Lansing’s Historic Cemeteries President Loretta Stanaway. These four individuals also dedicated extensive time and energy to the preservation and education of Ingham County history.

The Heritage Award could not be presented in person due to COVID-19 restrictions, however a ceremony is set to take place at a later time to honor the awardees for their accomplishments and dedication to local history.