Washington Museum Association
Awards of Excellence Recipients

2008

Award of Exhibit Excellence
Steilacoom Historical Museum Association
The Washington Museum Association recognizes the exhibit Steilacoom's Story, produced by the Steilacoom Historical MuseumAssociation, for establishing a high standard of innovation and creativity in all phases of exhibit concept, content, design, production, and programming.  This exceptional exhibit demonstrates leadership in the areas of preservation issues, quality design, and creative interpretation and represents an elevated level of achievement to which all museums in Washington State should aspire.

Award of Exhibit Excellence
Yakima Valley Museum
The Washington Museum Association recognizes the exhibit,In Memory Of: Expressions of Mourning in Victorian America, produced by the Yakima Valley Museum, for establishing a high standard of innovation and creativity in all phases of exhibit concept, content, design, and programming.  The exhibit is unique in its presentation, utilization of new technology, and collaboration with many museums.  This exceptional exhibit represents an elevated level of achievement to which all museums in Washington State should aspire.

Award of Exhibit Excellence
Experience Music Project
Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame
The Washington Museum Association recognizes the exhibit American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music, produced by the Experience Music Project Science Fiction Museum, for establishing a high standard of innovation and creativity in all phases of exhibit concept, content, design, and programming.  The exhibit contributes to the critical dialogue regarding the significance of cultural diversity, utilizing music, academic inquiry, historical perspectives, and personal narrative.  This exceptional exhibit represents an elevated level of achievement to which all museums in Washington State should aspire.

Award of Project Excellence
Jeff DeSmet, Campfire Interactive Design
and
Quincy Valley Historical Society
The Washington Museum Association recognizes Jeff DeSmet, of Campfire Interactive Design, and the Quincy Valley Historical Societyfor establishing an unprecedented standard of accomplishment in the creation of the computer program Making the Quincy Valley Home.  The project demonstrates the accomplishment of a small committed volunteer organization and the partnership with a generous design firm.  It also serves as a significant model of achievement, through a grassroots effort, for all historical societies throughout the State of Washington.

Award of Project Excellence
Fort Walla Walla Museum and Tamástslikt Cultural Institute
The Washington Museum Association recognizes the Fort Walla Walla Museum and the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute for their collaboration both with each other and with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to create the exhibit The Lloyd Family Indian Artifacts Collection, Positive Interaction Between Cultures in Southeastern Washington.  Their project is a significant model of achievement through partnering with neighboring institutions.

Award of Individual Excellence
Pat Gallup
The Washington Museum Association recognizes Pat Gallup for her exceptional accomplishments at the Clallam County Historical Society.  As the exhibit designer, her dedication and remarkable abilities have led, among many things, to making the Historical Society a vibrant educational tool for her community.  With her 16 years of dedicated service to the Clallum County Historical Society, she is an inspiration to local heritage organizations and volunteers throughout Washington State.  

Award of Individual Excellence
Jason Jones
The Washington Museum Association recognizes Jason Jones for his exceptional work with the White River Valley Museum and the City of Auburn to produce video taped oral histories for the project Auburn Our History.  As the producer for the project he has filmed the interviews, edited all the footage, inserted the photos, added the music, the credits, in short, put the whole thing together.  For this, he serves as an inspiration to all that help to preserve history throughout the State of Washington.

Award of Publication Excellence
Skagit County Historical Museum
The Washington Museum Association recognizes Harvesting the Light: Images of Contemporary Farm Life, produced by the Skagit County Historical Museum, for excellence in publication.  The book is a valuable record of the disappearing family farms in Skagit County.  Not only is it a significant contribution to the understanding of a community, but also it enhances the rich history of Washington State.  In so doing, the recipient has set an elevated standard for all heritage organizations throughout Washington State.

Award of Publication Excellence
Fort Walla Walla Museum
The Washington Museum Association recognizes Soldiers, Pioneers & Indian People: Positive Interaction between Cultures in Southeast Washington, produced by the Fort Walla Walla Museum, for excellence in publication.  The book chronicles the story of friendly, respectful interaction between multiple generations of a regional pioneer family and their friends among the Homeland Tribes.  The Museum worked with the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute to ensure accuracy and gather supportive information.  In so doing, the Fort Walla Walla Museum has set an elevated standard for all heritage organizations throughout Washington State.

WMA Board Award of Excellence
Ron Chew
The Washington Museum Association Board recognizes Ron Chew's exceptional expertise, vision, and unwavering dedication to the stories of history.  He has served as the Executive Director of the Wing Luke Asian Museum for 17 years.  Under his directorship, the Wing Luke Asian Museum is now a nationally known treasure, offering both progressive programs and exhibits with a locally oriented emphasis on social justice.  Through his dedication to public service and his inspired ideas, he has earned the gratitude and respect of his colleagues throughout our State and the Nation.  Therefore it is a privilege to honor Ron Chew with this Award of Excellence.

2007

Award of Exhibit Excellence,
Skagit County Historical Museum,
“Fibers of Life II, Native Treasures from the Forest to the Flats”

Award of Exhibit Excellence,
Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center,
“River of Memory: The Everlasting Columbia”

Award of Project Excellence,
Alderwood Manor Heritage Association,
Heritage Cottage Relocation & Restoration

Award of Project Excellence,
Mukilteo Historical Society,
“100 Years of Light,” Mukilteo’s Celebration of the Centennial of the Mukilteo Lighthouse

Award of Individual Excellence,
Robert Kelly, Volunteer (Collection Manager), Skykomish Historical Society
 
Award of Individual Excellence,
Marianne Forssblad, Executive Director, Nordic Heritage Museum
 
Award of Publication Excellence,
Book - “Port Blakely: The Community Captain Renton Built,” 2nd edition, the Bainbridge Island Historical Society

Board Award of Excellence,
Charles Payton
 
Board Award of Excellence,
Ellen Ferguson

2006

Award of Exhibit Excellence ($150,000.01 or more category)
Naval Undersea Museum
“The Trident Family: Service and Sacrifice”

Award of Project Excellence (less than $150,000 category)
Granite Falls Historical Society
Modernization of Historical Museum Collection

Award of Individual Excellence ($150,000.01 or more category)
David K. Hansen
Curator/historian emeritus of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Award of Individual Excellence ($150,000.01 or more category)
Janis R. Olson, Curator
Whatcom Museum of History and Art

Award of Individual Excellence (less than $150,000.00 category)
Marie Little, Volunteer
Alderwood Manor Heritage Society and Museum

Award of Publication Excellence, ($150,000.01 or more category)
Anacortes Museum
“Fidalgo Fishing”

Award of Publication Excellence, (less than $150,000.00 category)
Five individual Snohomish County historians and an artist not associated with an organization – Dr. David A. Cameron, M. Allan May, Jack C. O’Donnell, Lawrence E. O’Donnell, and Charles LeWarne.  Artwork by Bernie Webber 
“Snohomish County: An Illustrated History”

WMA Board Award of Excellence
Derek Valley, Director of the Washington State Capital Museum

2005

Award of Exhibit Excellence
Museum of Flight
Personal Courage Wing - WWI and WWII Fighter Aircraft.

Award of Exhibit Excellence
Tacoma Art Museum
Lewis and Clark Territory: Contemporary Artists Revisit Place, Race, and Memory.

Award of Project Excellence
Nordic Heritage Museum
Mural Project

Award of Individual Excellence
Nancy McCoy (formerly with the Lopez Island Historical Museum for many years, and Lopez Island Historic Preservationist and historian.)

Award of Publication Excellence
Clark County Historical Museum
"Woven History, Native American Basketry"

WMA Board Award
John Baule, Director of the Yakima Valley Museum

2004

Award of Exhibit Excellence
Mukilteo Historical Society
“Mukilteo and World War II,”

Award of Exhibit Excellence
Whatcom Children ’s Museum
“Centennial Time Machine”

Award of Project Excellence
Henderson House Museum, City of Tumwater
Television programs: “Heritage Series” and “High Noon History Talks”

Award of Project Excellence
A collaboration with Museum of History and Industry, University of Washington Libraries, and ten King County historical organizations
“Crossing Organizational Boundaries”

Award of Project Excellence
Cowlitz County Historical Museum
Expansion project

Award of Project Excellence
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
1855 Factor’s House Restoration project

Award of Individual Excellence
Charlene Krise, Executive Director, Squaxin Island Tribe Museum, Library and Research Center

Award of Publication Excellence
Kenmore Heritage Society
“Kenmore by the Lake, A Community History”

Award of Publication Excellence 
Pacific County Historical Society
Periodical, “The Sou’wester; Special Stella and Leslie V. Raymond Issue”

Award of Publication Excellence
A collaboration with the Yakima Valley Museum and the Larson Gallery
Guide, “Art-Link an Arts Education Community Partnership Teacher’s Travel Guide”

Board Award of Excellence
The Washington State Governor’s Lewis and Clark Trail Committee 

2002

Award of Exhibit Excellence
The Whatcom Children’s Museum
The Washington Museum Association recognizes the exhibit It’s a Jungle Out There produced by the Whatcom Children’s Museum, for establishing an unprecedented standard of innovation in all phases of exhibit development, production, and interpretation. The exhibit demonstrates excellence and creativity in design, imaginative and successful uses of recycled and low-cost materials, and creative interpretive and interactive elements devised to inspire and direct exploration and learning for all ages. As a service to both the community of Bellingham and the museum community, it represents a level of achievement to which all museums in Washington State should aspire.

Award of Project Excellence
The Mukilteo Historical Society
The Washington Museum Association recognizes the leadership and high level of professional standard of the Mukilteo Historical Society and artisan Tim Sadley in restoring and preserving the endangered historic Mukilteo Pioneer Cemetery, through the Mukilteo Pioneer Cemetery Restoration and Rededication project. The cemetery symbolizes one of Mukilteo’s oldest visible links to its past as well as an essential connection to the early history of Snohomish County. The project serves as a significant model of success, accomplished by grassroots effort, for all community based heritage organizations throughout the State of Washington.

Award of Individual Excellence
Roxana Augusztiny
For individual excellence the Washington Museum Association recognizes the outstanding professional achievements of Roxana Augusztiny, during her exemplary 34-year career at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, where she demonstrated the highest professional standards and ethics through the various positions she held.. As a registrar, Roxana was instrumental in the passage of the 1988 Abandoned Loan Legislation in Washington State, which has aided museums across the state, and has served as a significant model for similar legislation in other states. Roxana epitomizes spirit and leadership, has shown a great willingness to share her expertise, and has an ability to inspire high standards in others. Her legacy will profoundly influence generations of museum professionals to come.

Award of Publication Excellence
The Museum of Glass: International Center for Contemporary Art
For publication excellence, the Washington Museum Association recognizes Fuse, the outstanding and distinctive newsletter produced by the Museum of Glass: International Center for Contemporary Art. The newsletter is an exceptional example of an effective museum publicity vehicle and communications tool. This beautifully designed publication achieves the Museum’s goals of introducing an exciting new institution to Washingtonians and sets elevated standards for all museums within the state.

Award of Publication Excellence
The Nordic Heritage Museum, The Ballard Historical Society and The Swedish Finn Historical Society
The Washington Museum Association recognizes the publication Voices of Ballard — Immigrant Stories from the Vanishing Generation, edited by Lynn Moen, for publication excellence. The book is an excellent example of the end result of a successful collaborative oral history project by three organizations. It is a rich source of social history, documenting and preserving segments of the history of a small urban community, as seen through the eyes of a varied group of narrators, and in turn, it has become an important contribution to the understanding and appreciation of the rich history of Washington State. The book exemplifies an exceptional publication that organizations can produce and in doing so, sets elevated standards for all heritage organizations throughout Washington State.

WMA Board Award For Individual Achievement
George Thomas
The Washington Museum Association Board acknowledges George Thomas, for outstanding leadership, unprecedented contributions, and professional services as the past Curator and longstanding Director of the Whatcom Museum of History and Art, and as an exceptional consultant to museums and heritage organizations. His lasting legacy can be found in the Whatcom Museum as one of the leading museums in Washington State, as well as in the growing number of well-run small museums that have been influenced by his professional guidance. George’s sage advice and exceptional contributions have reached far and wide to the benefit of museums and heritage organizations throughout Washington State.

WMA Board Award For Special Achievement
The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
The Washington Museum Association Board acknowledges the exceptional achievement of the Eastern Washington State Historical Society in the successful renovation and expansion of the original facility to create the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. The new regional cultural museum not only provides for vast improvements to the institution, but also serves as an important representation of the region’s historical, artistic, and cultural achievements. This significant project sets high standards of implementation including planning, design, construction, and interpretation, thus taking its place as a leading institution in the State of Washington.

2001

Award of Exhibit Excellence
The Renton Historical Society and Museum
The Washington Museum Association recognizes that the Renton Century to Century Historical Exhibit produced by the Renton Historical Society and Museum, under the supervision of Museum Supervisor Steve Anderson, establishes an unprecedented standard of innovation for all phases of exhibit production, including fund raising, effective utilization of volunteers, planning, design, construction, and interpretation of Renton’s history. As a service to both the Renton community and the museum community, it represents a level of achievement to which all organizations should aspire.

Award of Project Excellence
The Edmonds-South Snohomish County Historical Society
The Washington Museum Association recognizes the leadership and high level of professional standard of the Edmonds-South Snohomish County Historical Society in preserving the endangered historic Ganahl-Hanley Log Cabin in Edmonds, through the Save Our Cabin project. This project serves as a significant model of success, accomplished by grassroots effort, for all community based heritage organizations throughout the State of Washington.

Award of Publication Excellence
The Whatcom Museum of History and Art
The Washington Museum Association recognizes the high-quality, unique, and innovative video "Anna Jefferson: Northwest Native American Basketweaver", co-produced by Richard Vanderway, Curator of Education and Mary Jo Maute, Education Assistant. The video has developed community connections and an understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. It illustrates the high quality that an organization can produce, and in doing so, sets high standards for all heritage organizations within Washington State.

Award of Individual Excellence
Ellen Ferguson
For individual excellence the Washington Museum Association recognizes the outstanding professional achievements of Ellen Ferguson, working as a long-standing board member and Washington State representative for the Western Museums Association, and an active member of the Washington Museum Association. She has worked tirelessly as a strong advocate for the interests of small, rural, and ethnic museums and to make professional development accessible to all members of the museum field within the State of Washington Ellen epitomizes spirit and leadership that stands as an example of museum excellence.

WMA Board Award For Individual Achievement
Dr. Michael Warner
The Washington Museum Association Board acknowledges Dr. Michael Warner, the first Director of the Heritage Resource Center, for his unprecedented contributions and outstanding leadership and professional services to museums and the heritage community throughout the State of Washington. He has enhanced the preservation and interpretation of heritage through his tireless work with outreach services, the state Heritage Conference, and administration of the Washington Heritage Fund. Michael’s contribution has reached far and wide to the benefit of heritage and cultural organizations within Washington State and to serve as a valuable national model.

2000

Award of Exhibit Excellence
The Providence-General Foundation and Olsen Sundberg Architects
The Washington Museum Association recognizes that the Providence-General Foundation Historical Exhibit implemented by the Providence-General Foundation and Olson Sundberg Architects, establishes an unprecedented standard of innovation for all phases of production, including fund raising, planning, design, construction, and interpretation of a unique subject. It represents a level of achievement to which all organizations should aspire.

Award of Project Excellence
Grace Kirwan and The Monroe Historical Society
The Washington Museum Association recognizes the Monroe Historical Society’s leadership in implementing an outstanding original research project, "Historic Homes and Buildings of Monroe, Washington", assembled by Grace Kirwan. This project provides an exceptionally valuable resource for Monroe and Snohomish County history that can be utilized in numerous ways. It serves as a significant model for all heritage organizations throughout the State of Washington.

Award of Publication Excellence
The Snohomish County Museum and Historical Association
The Washington Museum Association recognizes the unique, innovative and inspired book "Collected Memories: Recollections of Alvin B. Petterson", published by the Snohomish County Museum and Historical Association. The memoirs, edited by Elise Sheehan, illustrate the high quality that an organization can produce utilizing information gleaned from its archives. In doing so, high standards are set for all heritage organizations within Washington State.

Award of Individual Excellence
William Coomer and Jared Olson
The Washington Museum Association recognizes for individual excellence, William Coomer and Jared Olsen, two extraordinary volunteers working with the Willapa Seaport Museum in Raymond. Their tireless effort, energy, and talent have made significant and positive contributions to the museum and the community. These exemplary volunteers set high standards for all volunteers and the heritage organizations they serve within the State of Washington.

Award of Individual Excellence
Rosemary Eckerson
For individual excellence the Washington Museum Association recognizes the outstanding achievements of Rosemary Eckerson, Director of the Paul H. Karshner Memorial Museum. She has worked tirelessly to provide a better educational experience at the museum and has been instrumental in bringing it to the Puyallup community. She epitomizes spirit and leadership that stands as an example of excellence for all Washington State museums.

WMA Board Award For Individual Achievement
Bob Gruhn
The Washington Museum Association Board acknowledges Bob Gruhn for his tireless work, on behalf of the Association, with legal and legislative issues pertaining to museums and cultural organizations. His willingness to share his knowledge of the legal system and his dedication to educate heritage advocates about legislative issues has provided a valuable resource to all of Washington State’s cultural organizations.

WMA Board Award For Lifetime Achievement
Donald Eric Sandberg
For his extraordinary volunteer work within the museum community the Washington Museum Association honors Donald E. Sandberg. Though he was not a museum professional, he contributed many hours to the Washington State Railroads Historical Society, the "B" Reactor Museum Association, the Washington Museum Association, and the Advisory Committee of the Capital Projects Fund. He was an extraordinary volunteer dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and humanizing the history of the things he believed in. In doing so, he has become a model for all volunteers to follow.

1999

Award of Exhibit Excellence
The Shoreline Historical Museum
Acknowledging excellence in concept, programming and innovation for the Shoreline Historical Museum’s exhibit Fresh Voice of the Community: Korean American Youth. The exhibit draws upon local resources that are traditionally overlooked; provides outstanding service through community networking, special events and educational outreach; establishes precedent by using a non-traditional topic and an interactive format; and is significant as a medium for cultural celebration and community building.

Award of Exhibit Excellence
The White River Valley Historical Society and the City of Auburn
Acknowledging excellence for the White River Valley Historical Society and the City of Auburn’s permanent history exhibit, that establishes an unprecedented standard of innovation for all phases of implementation, including fund raising, planning, design, construction and interpretation of South King County history. It is a level of production that all museums should aspire toward, and an accomplishment that allows this regional museum to take its place as one of the leading local heritage institutions in the State of Washington.

Award of Project Excellence
The Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society
Acknowledging a small organization’s leadership in embracing the Internet and developing a web site that assists in fulfilling its mission, promoting activities and extending the Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society’s services to new populations. In creating this online exhibit gallery, program guide, and research center, the Society has raised the standard of excellence and produced a web site that will serve as a measure of success for all museum organizations throughout the State of Washington.

Award of Publication Excellence
The Anacortes Museum
Acknowledging excellence in publications for the unique, innovative and inspired design elements and frugal production methods of the exhibit invitation produced by the Anacortes Museum for Ferd Brady, Anacortes Photographer. The invitation illustrates the high quality that a small organization can produce with imagination and limited resources. In doing so, high standards are set for all museums within Washington State.

WMA Board Award For Lifetime Achievement
Delbert McBride, Curator Emeritus, Washington State Historical Society, Olympia
Acknowledging a lifetime achievement for his work within Washington State’s museum community and his special desire to educate the public about Indian art and culture, and Washington State history. The Washington Museum Association Board wishes to recognize the many contributions of Delbert McBride, historian, artist, curator, museologist, cultural ambassador, researcher, writer, museum promoter and educator. He inspired many, influenced all, and worked his entire life to bring about understanding between cultures and generations.

1998

Award of Project Excellence
The North Central Washington Museum
Acknowledging a high level of excellence in public programming, educational activities, and interpretive exhibits achieved by the dedicated and hard working staff and volunteers of the North Central Washington Museum, within a short period of time between June and August, 1997. The accomplishments stand out not only as excellent examples of public programming moving beyond the normal activity of the museum, but are also commendable for notably increasing the level of community involvement.

Award of Project Excellence
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society
Acknowledging a small, volunteer, community based organization for high levels of professional standards of excellence and community service through the accomplishments of the restoration of an historic log structure and the successful development from inception to opening of the Birthplace of Seattle: Log House Museum. These achievements set standards that will serve as models of success for other similar, community based museum organizations throughout the State of Washington.

WMA Board Award - Special Achievement
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Acknowledging special achievement for the successful completion of the renovation of the facility of the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, which not only provides for vast improvements to the institution, but serves as an important representation for Washington State’s natural history and culture; sets high levels of standards and innovation in all phases of implementation including planning, design, construction, and interpretation; and takes its place as a leading institution in the State of Washington.

1997

Award of Exhibit Excellence
The Edmonds Historical Museum
Acknowledging the exhibit "The Call of the Marsh" as an exemplary model of a successful collaboration between a museum and a school - the Explore School at Edmonds-Woodway High School - providing educational and service opportunities for at risk students; as well as furnishing an opportunity for the public to understand the history and renewal of the Union Oil Marsh.

Award of Exhibit Excellence
The Children’s Museum
Acknowledging the exhibit "A Changed World" as an exemplary model of a successful collaboration between The Children’s Museum, The Experimental Gallery, the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration, Maple Lane High School, and artists, providing the opportunity for artistic creativity and expression, and the development of vocational skills, self esteem, and a sense of community for incarcerated teens; as well as providing the opportunity for the public to gain a better understanding of at risk teens and the arts.

Award of Publication Excellence
Fort Nisqually Historic Site
Acknowledging the journal "Occurrences: The Journal of Activities at Fort Nisqually Historic Site" as an exemplary model of a successful publication not only chronicling the activities of an historic site, but also serving as an important national and international conveyance to disseminate ongoing historical and scholarly research and information on the history of the fur trade period of Washington State.

Award of Individual Excellence
Jacqueline B. Williams
Acknowledging unprecedented contributions to museums, scholars, and interpreters of Northwest history through the work of Jacqueline B. Williams as a food historian who has helped to expand the study of history by focusing on an important aspect of the daily lives of pioneers and early settlers, culminating in the publications, The Way We Ate: Pacific Northwest Cooking, 1843-1900, and Wagon Wheel Kitchens: Food on the Oregon Trail.

WMA Board Award - Special Achievement
The Washington State Historical Society
Acknowledging special achievement in the creation of the Washington State History Museum which serves as an important representation of our State’s historical achievements; sets high levels of standards and innovation in all phases of implementation including planning, design, construction, and interpretation; and takes its place as a leading institution in the State of Washington.

1996

Award of Individual Excellence
Charles Payton
Acknowledging unprecedented contributions and high standards of excellence and leadership through outstanding professional and volunteer services to museums and the heritage community throughout King County, and enhancing the preservation and interpretation of the heritage of Washington State through untiring personal efforts.

Award of Exhibit Excellence
"Behind the Red, White, and Blue: Posters, Propaganda, and Pride"
Acknowledging the exhibit as an exemplary model of a successful collaboration between a museum, the Cheney Cowles Museum\Eastern Washington State Historical Society and a graphic artist, C.K. Anderson, of Anderson, Mraz, Design, Inc., using innovative approaches in design and interpretation, and setting a new standard for exhibitions that will serve as a model of success for other museums throughout Washington State.

Award of Exhibit Excellence
Cowlitz County Historical Museum
Acknowledging the exhibit, "Art On the Water: Decoys Along the Pacific Flyway" as an exemplary model of an exhibit that demonstrates consistency with the mission of a community-based museum, and of equal importance, reaches a broad audience by providing high quality richness and variety, and furnishing a rare opportunity for the public of the western United States to view, enjoy, and understand waterfowl decoys.

1995

Award of Individual Excellence
Chris Fiala Erlich
Acknowledging unprecedented contributions and high standards of excellence and leadership in developing the Adam East Museum and Art Center into a significant community center and strong cultural force, through the creation of programming exploring multicultural diversity; helping to bring about understanding between generations, and ethnic and cultural groups; and strengthening the fabric of the community.

Award of Exhibit Excellence
Adam East Museum and Art Center
Acknowledging the exhibit, Generaciones: Mexican Americans In Moses Lake, as an exemplary model for community involvement and ethnic collaboration using innovative approaches to meet community needs; providing cultural opportunities for those who might not otherwise have access to them; exemplifying leadership in education, civic and community development; and enhancing an understanding of the arts and culture.

Award of Publication Excellence
Historical Fort Steilacoom Association
Acknowledging the quarterly newsletter publication, "Fort Steilacoom," as an exemplary model of a publication produced by a small, local, grassroots organization by diverse contributors and talented editing, layout, and production volunteers who's dedication and final product greatly contribute toward museum professionalism.

Award of Individual Excellence
Jim Barmore
Acknowledging unprecedented contributions in leadership on the museum, community and regional levels through the initiation of the Greater Skagit County Museum Association, thereby providing a method for local museums to share ideas, opportunities, and challenges by promoting better communication, and by enhancing museum professionalism, all to the greater benefit of the public served.

Award of Exhibit Excellence
Museum of History and Industry
Acknowledging the exhibit: Blueprints: 100 Years of Seattle Architecture as an exemplary model of an exhibit that sets precedence not only for new interpretive directions for the Museum of History and Industry, but more importantly, for its significant outreach and long term benefits to the architectural community and to the general public.

WMA Board Award - Special Achievement
Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center
Acknowledging special achievement in the creation of the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center which stands as a symbol of quality for all museums in Washington State; serves as a significant example of a successful project accomplished on the community level; and sets high levels of standards in all phases of implementation, including planning, fundraising, design, and construction.

1994

Award of Individual Excellence
Dr. C.J. Rose
Acknowledging his unprecedented contribution, as a community leader, to the preservation and dissemination of the history of the Buckley area through the founding of the Foothills Historical Society and Museum, and the development of the museum into an important community center.

Award of Individual Excellence
Ethel Telban
Acknowledging her unprecedented contribution, as a community leader, to the preservation and dissemination of local history through the founding of the Renton Historical Society and Museum, and the development of the museum into an important community center.

Award of Institutional Excellence
East Benton County Historical Society, Kennewick and Allied Arts Association, Richland
Acknowledging the exhibit, The Three Faces of Richland, as a successful model for community involvement; as a fine example of a grass roots effort by individuals who care about local history; and for its profound impact on those who viewed it, through the presentation of a controversial subject in a professional manner.

1993

Award of Individual Excellence
Donna H. Chase
Acknowledging outstanding contributions toward the preservation and dissemination of Everett area history and for unprecedented contributions toward the planning, implementation, opening, and continual successful programming of the Everett Museum.

Award of Institutional Excellence
The Wing Luke Asian Museum
Acknowledging the exhibit Executive Order 9066: 50 Years Before and 50 Years After, as a successful model for community involvement and aesthetic design and installation, and for providing a profound impact on those who worked on it and for those who viewed it.

1992

Award of Individual Excellence
Lynn D. Anderson
Acknowledging outstanding contributions toward the success of the Washington State Historical Society exhibit Washington: Home, Frontier, Crossroads, and for unprecedented awareness of the philosophy and practice of museum collections management.

Award of Institutional Excellence
The Yakima Area Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Acknowledging the successful development and operation solely by volunteers and the continual outstanding contributions and commitment toward community service.