2025 Jeanne Clarke Local History Awards

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The Board of the Prince George Public Library would like to extend an invitation to join them in celebration of the 40th annual Jeanne Clarke Local History Awards. Awards will be presented for outstanding contributions to local history in the categories of publication and service.

Sunday, February 23rd, 2025
3:00 - 5:00pm
Prince George Civic Centre

Seating is limited and general admission. Light refreshments will be served. Please register to attend using the webform below, or RSVP by February 14th to communications@pgpl.ca or 250-563-9251 ext. 120.

The Jeanne Clarke Local History Award was established by the Library Board in 1985, in memory of former library board chair Jeanne Clarke to recognize individuals or groups for outstanding contributions in the preservation and promotion of local and regional history. For further information on the Jeanne Clarke Awards, including past winners and nominated publications, please visit our Local History Page.

The Prince George Public Library Board is awarding the 2025 Jeanne Clarke Local History Service Award to local photographer Chuck Chin, for his outstanding work to promote and preserve the history of his community. The late Chuck Chin, who passed away suddenly on January 20, 2024, was a beloved figure in Prince George, known for his warm smile, kind heart, and extraordinary talent for capturing the essence of the community through his photography. For over 18 years, he shared thousands of images on social media, celebrating the beauty of Prince George, while capturing both special and everyday moments that will be remembered for generations.

A selection of Chin’s photography will be on display at the Bob Harkins Branch of the Prince George Public Library from February 3-28, 2025. Visitors are encouraged to view his iconic work, leave messages in a guestbook, and reflect on his impact on the community.

The finalists for this year’s publication award are:
• Gold in the Mountains: Stories of Prospecting & Mining in the Rosswood and Kitsumkalum Lake Region of British Columbia, compiled by The Terrace Regional Historical Society.
• Lha yudit'ih We Always Find a Way: Bringing the Tŝilhqot'in Title Case Home, by Lorraine Weir with Chief Roger William.
• The Wild Horses of the Chilcotin: Their History and Future, by Wayne McCrory.
• Gumboot Guys: Nautical Adventures on British Columbia's North Coast, edited by Lou Allison; compiled by Jane Wilde.
• Sleeping With Horses: a Twenty-Year Collection of Horse Packing Stories Through B.C.'s Remote Wilderness, Gold Mines and Grizzly Years, by Joyce Helweg.
• The City of Rainbows: a Colourful History of Prince Rupert / Blair Mirau.
• Always on Call: Adventures in Nursing, Ranching, and Rural Living, by Marion McKinnon Crook.
• Reflections: Interviews of School District #57 (Prince George) Retired Educators, edited by Kris Nellis.