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Georgia Historical Society Receives 2011 Award of Merit from American Association for State and Local History

SAVANNAH, Ga., July 11, 2011 - The Georgia Historical Society has been awarded the 2011 Award of Merit by the Leadership in History Awards of the American Association for State and Local History, for the Civil War at 150 Historical Marker Project. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 66th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history. 

As part of the national sesquicentennial commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the GHS and other state and private agencies joined together on a project to use historical markers to promote tourism and create better access to Georgia's Civil War history. GHS commissioned new markers as well as recast and replaced seven missing and/or damaged markers in the original locations along Sherman's March to the Sea.  The new markers interpret previously unrepresented elements of the war including civilians, politics, industry, the home front, African Americans and women - the full spectrum of Georgia's Civil War experience.

In addition, GHS has developed unique online tools allowing internet users to custom design their own driving routes throughout the state based on existing historical markers, as well as developed a new Georgia Historical Marker Application for iPhone. The app uses GPS location to allow users to view historical markers in their area.

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. The 2011 AASLH awards will be presented Sept. 16, 2011, at the AASLH Annual Meeting in Richmond, Va.

The American Association for State and Local History is a not-for-profit professional organization of individuals and institutions working to preserve and promote history.  From its headquarters in Nashville, Tenn., 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.