Local historians and preservation proponents racked up awards from the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation, according to an announcement by the advocacy group.
LTHP is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Louisiana’s historical and cultural heritage.
Among this year’s award recipients are Amy Stegall, former director of Main Street Ruston; Rick Godley, director of the Lincoln Parish Museum; and the Claiborne Parish Library, where Ruston’s Wesley Harris serves as historian.
LTHP’s prestigious Sue Turner Preservationist of the Year Award recognizes the efforts of an individual who made “a significant contribution to historic preservation in Louisiana.” This year’s recipient, Amy Stegall, was selected while serving as Ruston Main Street Director, Cultural District liaison, & the City’s Community Coordinator.
According to LTHP, Stegall was instrumental in the growth of Downtown Ruston while “advocating for the preservation of its historic assets & connecting property owners of historic buildings to financial incentives to spur the restoration & development of mixed-use & commercial spaces. Through collaborative efforts, she successfully championed for increased funding for Louisiana Main Street & the statewide historic downtowns they represent. Stegall’s passion & dedication for her community has helped Downtown Ruston earn state & national recognition for its revitalization efforts & commitment to historic preservation.”
Rick Godley, director of the Lincoln Parish Museum & Historical Society, received the Trust’s Leadership Award.
The award recognizes an individual who is “making significant contribution to the advocacy anf/or promotion of historic preservation or the development of his or her cultural discipline in a community, region, or state,” according to LTHP.
As Director of the Lincoln Parish Museum & Historical Society, Rick has been instrumental in the continued growth of the organization, creating the Lincoln Legacy Award to honor influential community members, establishing the Blueseum Fest to showcase local blues musicians, organizing major exhibits to draw visitors to the museum, and generating a 25% increase in donor support.
The Claiborne Parish Library received LTHP’s Education Award which recognizes an individual or organization that, through educational efforts, helped broaden appreciation for the importance of historic preservation in Louisiana. Since 2020 when Wesley Harris was named parish historian, the library has published ten books on local history, established a free, online database of 20,000+ historic documents & photographs, erected historical markers using donated funds, and hosted scores of presentations on historical topics.
Harris is also a writer for Lincoln Parish Journal with a regular column, “Harris on History,” about the Lincoln Parish’s past.
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