Broward County Historical Commission Presents 2009 Pioneer Awards
The Broward County Historical Commission, co-sponsored by the Hallandale Beach City Commission, presented the 2009 Pioneer Awards at a special ceremony on October 17, at the Hallandale Beach Cultural Community Center.
Since 1973, Broward County Historical Commission has hosted Pioneer Day annually to honor Broward County pioneers and recognize individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to historical preservation, research, advocacy and education. Pioneers were selected by local historical societies and municipalities for their unique contributions to the vitality of Broward County.
• The Judge Clayton Nance Award was presented to Artspace Projects, Inc., America’s leading non-profit real estate developer for their significant role in securing new space for the Broward County Historical Commission. The Historical Commission, long housed on the second floor of a nondescript building attached to a parking lot is now in the restored historic West Side School. Of 32 such projects they have undertaken in the United States, this was its first in Florida and consists of the renovation of the school site and a new 37-unit affordable apartment complex for artists. The project, which took almost 10 years to complete, was a team effort with Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and Lennar Corporation.
• The Dr. Cooper Kirk Award was presented to Greg Durden, attorney at law, in recognition of his efforts to educate the public concerning the significant local history of the African-American community in Broward County, especially as it relates to Brown vs. the Board of Education and the John U. Lloyd “Black Beach” commemoration marker and ceremonies following. Durden’s efforts mirror those of Dr. Cooper Kirk, the first Broward County Historian and author of many historical works, whose dedication to historical research and spreading knowledge of the history of the county was unparalleled.
• The Stuart McIver Historians Award was presented to the Oakland Park Historical Society for their newly published book, Oakland Park, which continues the tradition of the late Historical Commissioner Stuart McIver who wrote many first-class well researched books and other publications.
Additionally, 32 individuals were honored as pioneers at the event for their contributions to their communities. Among those awarded was Cos Tornese, Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals, for his help in completing the construction work of the West Side School project.
To view event photos and read biographical information on award recipients, visit www.broward.org/history and click PIONEER DAY.
The Broward County Historical Commission, the official historic preservation agency for Broward County, encourages residents and their communities to promote the unique archaeological and historical legacy of Broward County and to utilize the tools and financial incentives available to accomplish this effort.
Short URL: http://browardnetonline.com/?p=3947
Posted by Andrea Freygang
on Nov 1 2009. Filed under Broward County, Culture, Hallandale, Local news.
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