February 7, 2019, Simcoe, ON – If you know a person or group who deserves to be recognized for contributions to Norfolk County’s heritage and culture, the time is now.
Nominations for the 2020 Dogwood Awards are currently being accepted.
Established in 2008 and named after Norfolk County’s official flower, the awards spotlight individuals and groups for outstanding work in subjects such as history, visual arts, music, and media.
“There are dozens of folks in Norfolk County that contribute to heritage and culture, and without the Dogwood Awards, they would receive little to no recognition,” said Melissa Collver, Norfolk County’s Director of Heritage and Culture. “They might not do it to win awards, but we feel it’s important to let these people know we appreciate all their hard work.”
This year, Norfolk County staff have added a new category to the proceedings entitled “Heritage Property Stewardship” for landowners/caretakers that have demonstrated excellence in long-time heritage stewardship and/or exceptional rehabilitations of properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
“All heritage properties tell a story, and we have many stewards that deserve to be acknowledged for the great work they’ve done,” said Collver. “Their efforts help preserve a piece of Norfolk’s history.”
Other categories include the Lifetime Achievement Award and Youth Award (under 18).
Winners have displayed a number of characteristics in the past, including supporting, celebrating or promoting heritage and culture through programming, events, exhibits, publications, etc.
Any Norfolk County resident can be nominated. To nominate a group or individual, log onto norfolkculture.ca. Nomination forms can also be found at the Delhi Tobacco Museum & Heritage Centre, Eva Brook Donly Museum & Archives, Norfolk Arts Centre, Port Dover Harbour Museum, Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum, or Robinson Administrative Building in Simcoe. Forms are due by Mar. 31.
The date and location for a formal award ceremony will take place in the coming weeks.
