The Blair County Historical Society will present nine awards at its Heritage Hall of Fame Awards Dinner on Sept. 26 at The Casino in Lakemont. Being honored are: Mark Frederick, Local Historia, Byron Smail, Eric Shields, Michael Allison, Harriet Gaston, Hollidaysburg Area High School German Club, Altoona Symphony Orchestra and Margaret Goodman.

Goodman of Altoona will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for her many initiatives, including her service as Royer Committee Chair, and as executive director of Fort Roberdeau. She is its 17th recipient.

Frederick of Altoona will receive the Preservation of Blair County History for his documentary “Blair County: A People’s History.

The Chairman’s Award goes to Byron Smail of Martinsburg for writing two books related to the iron furnaces of Blair County: “Iron Furnaces of the Cove” and its continuation “Blair County Iron.”

Frederick

Preservation of Blair County History award goes to Altoona author Eric Shields for his books that document the achievements of Blair County residents.

Historic Preservation of a Blair County Building will be awarded to Hollidaysburg resident Michael Allison for his complete restoration of the Baker Mansion interior.

Harriet Gaston of Altoona will receive the Director’s Award for her work on the African American Heritage exhibit and organization of the county’s first Juneteenth celebration.

In addition to the individuals being recognized, the historical society is honoring three organizations with awards:

The Altoona Symphony Orchestra will receive the Preservation of Blair County Cultural History award in recognition of its 95th anniversary as it enriches, entertains, educates, and engages the community with its music.

Smail

The Young Citizen Preservation of Blair County History to the Hollidaysburg Area High School German Club for their contributions to the society’s German Exhibit.

Preservation of Blair County History award will go to Local Historia, located in Bellefonte, operated by Dustin Elder of Tyrone, Matt Maris of Bellefonte and Jared Frederick of Altoona, which provides walking tours of area sites.

The Blair County Historical Society has presented these awards since 2001. For more information, visit www.blairhistory.org/hhfame.

Shields

Allison

Gaston