The Saratoga County History Center Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the winners of the third annual Saratoga County Public History Awards. The award recognizes individuals that have made a significant contribution to extending knowledge and understanding of the history of Saratoga County. A celebratory event will be held at Brookside Museum on Tuesday, May 7, beginning at 6 pm with a reception on the front porch of the Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa.
2024 Public History Award Winners Priscilla Edwards and Pat Peck
The 2024 recipients of the award are Pat Peck, a founding member of Heritage Hunters of Saratoga County, and Priscilla Edwards, long time Edinburg Town Historian. They were selected by a committee of previous winners Carol Godette, Jim Richmond, Paul Perreault and Charlie Kuenzel, joined by Michelle Isopo, Director of the Saratoga Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.
Pat Peck has had a lifelong interest in genealogy and local history that preceded her leadership in the formation of Heritage Hunters in 1993, whose mission is the preservation of the genealogical records and historic materials related to Saratoga County families. Through her efforts and working with a core group of like-minded members, Pat led the effort to develop several innovative educational outreach opportunities, including an annual all-day conference with presentations by regional experts on a wide range of genealogical topics, an annual History Faire, and the creation of the SaratogaGenWeb page with a robust collection of local genealogical databases. In addition, Pat has been a long-time volunteer at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa and was instrumental in the creation of the Irena Wooten Research Library at the History Center. Dave Peck, current President of Heritage Hunters said. “Pat is the go-to person keeping Heritage Hunters and other groups like the Old Saratoga Historical Association in Schuylerville vibrant for the last 30 years and is eminently qualified for this award.”
Priscilla Edwards has served as Edinburg’s town historian since 1986. For over thirty years she has written monthly articles for the town newsletter, which have recently been published in a book, My Mountains, My People. Priscilla has taken a special interest in promoting local history among children. For many years she has taken Edinburg Common School 4th graders on a day long trip around the town, visiting museums, the covered bridge, and other historic locations. Priscilla was a major contributor to the video “Harnessing Nature: Building the Great Sacandaga.” Lauren Roberts, Saratoga County Historian and longtime friend of Priscilla said “Priscilla was an invaluable resource both in her knowledge and her collections, which she generously allowed us to use in the film. She is the embodiment of a public historian.”
The public is encouraged to honor Pat and Priscilla by joining in the May 7 celebration.
