Merit Awards
1. This award shall be given to individuals or organizations that have by excellence in deeds, actions, or initiatives improved the state of archives in Ohio over the past year.
2. The Merit Awards shall not be limited to any one scope of endeavor that benefits the work of archivists in Ohio or limited in the number of awards that may be presented each year.
3. The sole criteria for this award shall be excellence in the furtherance of the purposes of SOA as stated in section 2 Part I of its Constitution and Bylaws in any manner considered appropriate by the council of the Society of Ohio Archivists.
4. Council will encourage the membership of SOA to nominate individuals for the Merit Awards and these nominations will be the basis for the council's action in designating recipients.
To nominate someone for an SOA Merit Award, please fill out an SOA Merit Award Nomination Form. If you have questions about the award, please contact the current SOA Vice President
Merit Award Recipients
2007
Barbara Floyd: for her collaborative groundbreaking work in developing a new field of scholarship—disability history.
State Representative W. Scott Oelslager: for his commitment to public records, his passion for history, and his work to secure the passage of House Bill 9, which clarifies procedures for public records requests and requires training for local elected officials.
Robert Schmidt: for his work as Coordinator of the Archives and Archivists List from 1998-2006.
2006
Anna Heran: in recognition of her yeoman service as Chair of SOA’s Education Committee.
Judy Cobb: in recognition of her outstanding work in the transition of the Ohio Archivist to an online publication during her five years as Editor.
Mark Leff: in recognition of his outstanding use of archival materials in broadcast journalism.
2005
2004
The Society of Ohio Archivists considers it a great honor to recognize one of Ohio's leading archival ambassadors, Dawne E. Dewey. Ms. Dewey has traveled internationally, served as an expert for national media outlets such as National Public Radio and the Discovery Channel, made countless presentations about the Wright family throughout the Miami Valley and beyond, and managed many local events commemorating the Centennial of Flight. She has continually brought honor to the Special Collections & Archives and the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library at the Wright State University. Ms. Dewey has also served the Ohio archival community as SOA President, Vice-President, Council member, and as a member of the Local Arrangements, Nominating, Program, Merit, and Archives Week Committees. The Society takes great pleasure in bestowing its Merit Award upon Dawne E. Dewey for her tireless devotion during the anniversary of the centennial of powered flight and for her dedication to the archival community.
The Society of Ohio Archivists considers it a great honor to posthumously recognize a great archival educator and activist, Dr. Jacob Rader Marcus (1896-1995). Dr. Marcus made an enduring and ongoing contribution to archival work in Ohio. A rabbi, scholar, and professor of American Jewish history at the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion for 75 years, he founded the American Jewish Archives in 1947. As director of the American Jewish Archives for nearly 50 years, Dr. Marcus assured the preservation of the records of more than 30 Jewish communities in Ohio. In addition, through outreach and education initiatives he urged Jewish communities throughout Ohio to preserve and document their own local history. The Society takes great pleasure in bestowing its Merit Award upon the namesake of the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives, Dr. Jacob Rader Marcus.
2003
Laurie Gemmill: In recognition of her dedication, professionalism, leadership, and service, as evidenced by the ongoing success of the Ohio Memory Project and development of the Society of Ohio Archivists web presence; SOA takes great pleasure in awarding Laurie Gemmill its Merit Award. As SOA Webmaster, Laurie worked diligently to update and establish the SOA web site as the primary information resource for the organization, moving SOA into the digital age. In her work on the Ohio Memory Project, Laurie has displayed steadfast leadership and creative vision for a much-needed project that has introduced Ohio’s historical treasures to the public and has established an exemplary model for other digital projects throughout the state. SOA applauds Laurie Gemmill for her tireless efforts on behalf of Ohio's archival community.
Ruth Helmuth: As the Society of Ohio Archivists observes the 35th anniversary of its founding, it takes the opportunity to recognize in a retrospective fashion the signal achievement of one of its founders, the late Ruth Helmuth, for the important contributions to the archival field in Ohio through service with the Case Western Reserve University. But the work of founding SOA has itself resulted in an impressive state-level group that has contributed to the archival community in the state, across the nation, and even abroad.
It is especially fitting for SOA, on this occasion of the celebration of its 35th anniversary, to express heartfelt gratitude to one of its primary founders, Ruth Helmuth, on April 10, 2003.
David Larson: As the Society of Ohio Archivists observes the 35th anniversary of its founding, it takes the opportunity to recognize in a retrospective fashion the signal achievement of one of its founders, David Larson, for the important contributions to the archival field in Ohio through service with the Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board. But the work of founding SOA, serving as President, and editor of “The Ohio Archivist” has itself resulted in an impressive state-level group that has contributed to the archival community in the state, across the nation, and even abroad.
It is especially fitting for SOA, on this occasion of the celebration of its 35th anniversary, to express heartfelt gratitude to one of its primary founders, David Larson, on April 10, 2003.
Jean R. Mahn: As the Society of Ohio Archivists observes the 35th anniversary of its founding, it takes the opportunity to recognize Jean R. Mahn for her outstanding interest in and concern for archives and archival interests in Ohio. She has been involved in philanthropic activities throughout her life. In 1989 the Mahns married and spent five years in Canada before returning to Athens, Ohio. On October 15, 2002, Jean and her husband announced a $1 million gift to support the establishment of the Robert E. and Jean R. Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections at Ohio University.
It is especially fitting for SOA, on the occasion of its 35th anniversary, to express its heartfelt gratitude to Jean R. Mahn on April 10, 2003.
Robert E. Mahn: As the Society of Ohio Archivists observes the 35th anniversary of its founding, it takes the opportunity to recognize Robert E. Mahn for his contributions to the archival field in Ohio. Mahn served Ohio University for 51 years, filling a variety of posts under seven presidents including University Archivist and Records Officer from 1967 to 1972. As Assistant to the President and Secretary to the Board of Trustees he often visited the archives to research issues for the President and the Board. On October 15, 2002, Mahn and his wife announced a $1 million gift to support the establishment of the Robert E. and Jean R. Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections at Ohio University.
It is especially fitting for SOA, on the occasion of its 35th anniversary, to express its heartfelt gratitude to Robert E. Mahn on April 10, 2003.
Kermit Pike: As the Society of Ohio Archivists observes the 35th anniversary of its founding, it takes the opportunity to recognize in a retrospective fashion the signal achievement of one of its founders, Kermit Pike, for the work he performed in starting the Society and serving as President and editor of “The Ohio Archivist.” Pike has made other important contributions to the archival field in Ohio, especially in northeastern Ohio through service with the Western Reserve Historical Society in its efforts to collect recent materials from ethnic groups. But the work of founding SOA has itself resulted in an impressive state-level group that has contributed to the archival community in the state, across the nation, and even abroad.
It is especially fitting for SOA, on this occasion of the celebration of its 35th anniversary, to express heartfelt gratitude to one of its primary founders, Kermit Pike, on April 10, 2003.
2002
No Merit Awards were given in 2002.
2001
Martin Hauserman: in recognition of his dedication and service as Archivist of the Cleveland City Council, SOA takes great pleasure in awarding Martin Hauserman its Merit Award. Martin worked tirelessly to save, preserve, and make available a rich collection of architectural records and photographs documenting the history of the city of Cleveland. His efforts to preserve this historically valuable record included imaginative publicity and outreach to increase awareness and concern for Cleveland's heritage. Martin recruited knowledgeable volunteers to identify, conserve, and use these records. Martin, known as "the man who saved Cleveland history", is very deserving of SOA's Merit Award. SOA applauds Martin Hauserman for his efforts on behalf of Ohio's archival community.
Madeline "Mitch" Helms: in recognition of her dedication and service to the Society of Ohio Archivists in the production of the Ohio Archivist, SOA takes great pleasure in awarding Mitch Helms its Merit Award. Mitch's expertise and creativity in the field of publishing, design, and editing has transformed the Ohio Archivist into an outstanding publication. Mitch demonstrates commitment to the archival community in Ohio through her membership in SOA and in her service to the membership through the production of our membership directory and the countless ways in which she assists SOA Council and members. It is with great appreciation that SOA presents this Merit Award to Mitch Helms on behalf of Ohio's archival community.
Diana Marchese: in recognition of her continuing interest and enthusiasm in promoting Archives Week in Ohio, SOA takes great pleasure in awarding Diana Marchese its Merit Award. As Trumbull County Recorder, Diana has been tireless in her efforts to promote and celebrate Archives Week in Ohio through special events in her county. Diana has shown extraordinary support for Archives Week in her capacity as a public official. SOA applauds Diana Marchese for her efforts on behalf of Ohio's archival community.
2000
Kenneth Grossi: in recognition of his service of more than a decade, SOA takes great pleasure in awarding Ken Grossi its Merit Award. Ken exemplifies the qualities of quiet confidence, steady leadership, and unshakable patience to which all professional archivists should aspire. During his distinguished service as an officer of SOA he helped build a solid financial base for the organization, contributed to educational efforts for both professional and amateur archivists, and promoted the archival profession in Ohio. Ken Grossi's work in SOA has given the organization the means with which to face the challenges of the new millennium. SOA applauds Kenneth Grossi for his efforts on behalf of Ohio's archival community.
1999
Margaret Theibert and Donna Oxenrider: in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments in the preservation of public records in Ohio. Their invaluable contributions to electronic records initiatives in Ohio have helped archivists overcome a myriad of technological challenges. Their valiant efforts assure that the State Archives of Ohio will contain a record of government actions and responsibilities, better enabling Ohioans to defend their rights and maintain their liberties. The work of Margaret Theibert and Donna Oxenrider has ensured the citizen's of Ohio continued access to authentic public records. SOA applauds Margaret Theibert and Donna Oxenrider for their efforts on behalf of Ohio's archival community.
1998
George Parkinson: in recognition of his service on the Council of the Society of Ohio Archivists, for his willingness to dedicate facilities and staff of the Ohio Historical Society to enable SOA to carry out its mission and goals, and for his efforts to promote the preservation of and access to historical records through the Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board and The Ohio 2003 Plan. SOA applauds George Parkinson for his efforts on behalf of Ohio's archival community.
1997
Raimund Goerler: in recognition of his excellent work as both advocate and archivist of the Admiral Byrd Papers, for his initiative and leadership in establishing an electronic records program for Ohio's higher education, and in honor of his years as dedicated service as historian of the Society of Ohio Archivists and caretaker of the Society Archives. SOA applauds Raimund Goerler for his efforts on behalf of Ohio's archival community.
David Van Tassel: in recognition of his dedication and enthusiasm in promoting the study of history through the founding of National History Day in Ohio and for his encouragement and support of the use of primary sources and archival repositories in research and writing by students in our schools. SOA applauds David Van Tassel for his efforts on behalf of Ohio's archival community.
1996
Charles Arp: in recognition of his contributions to the SOA education program, strategic planning initiative, annual meetings, and numerous other creative activities on behalf of the society.
Mary Bowman: in recognition of enthusiastic support of archival work as president of the Ohio Genealogical Society. A genealogist, historian, author, teacher, and volunteer archivist, Mary's impact on the Ohio scene is appreciated by everyone who believes that the past informs and immeasurably enriches the present.
Frederick Lautzenheiser: in recognition of his diligence, dedication, and skill in making The Ohio Archivist an outstanding newsletter and for his initiative and caring attitude in providing the Cuban archivists with materials and resources to further their archival program.
Julie Overton: in recognition of her unfailing enthusiasm and dedication in serving Ohio's genealogists and other researchers of Ohio's history, and for being an ambassador of good relations between the archival profession and related disciplines. SOA applauds Julie Overton for her efforts on behalf of Ohio's archival community.
1995
Mary Noonan: in recognition of her pioneering efforts as Director of the Inter-University Council to preserve the records of Ohio colleges and universities so that future generations of students and scholars will know the history of our times.
1994
Richard W. Gross: in recognition of his extraordinary efforts in recovering Civil War documents stolen from the Cincinnati Historical Society.
Nancy Johnston: in recognition of her dedication, perseverance, and enlightened leadership in chairing the Attorney General's Open Records Task Force, 1992-1993.
George W. Bain: in recognition of his initiative, enthusiasm, and tireless efforts in developing and implementing Archives Week in Ohio.