NASHVILLE, TN—June 2024—The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) proudly announces that the Louisville Historical Museum is the recipient of an Award of Excellence for the Marshall Fire Story Project. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 79th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

The Louisville Historical Museum launched the Marshall Fire Story Project in response to the devastation wrought by the Marshall Fire on December 30, 2021. In the immediate aftermath of the Fire, Museum staff recognized the urgency and importance of documenting the historic nature of the Fire by collecting stories, photos, and personal accounts; collecting artifacts and documents that represent the fire as well as ensuing recovery efforts; and offering conservation workshops to assist with salvaged items.

It is hoped that the Marshall Fire Story Project positively impacted the community by providing space for reflection, empathy, and healing in the moment and will be a significant historical resource for understanding climate change, collective trauma, and community resilience for future generations. 

This year, AASLH confers 47 national awards honoring people, projects, exhibits, and publications. The winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history.   

Current Museum Services Supervisor, Gigi Yang, examines a fire damaged Colorado flag with former Museum Services Supervisor, Bridget Bacon.

Community members affected by the Marshall Fire brought in artifacts like this pot to the Museum workshops to be cleaned and recovered.

Signs of neighborly support after the Marshall Fire hang on a fence. Some of these signs were donated to the Museum and remain in the Museum's permanent collections.

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            The Louisville Historical Museum is owned and operated by the City of Louisville and is part of the Department of Cultural Services. The Museum’s mission is an invitation to “Be a Part of the Story! Connect and share in the heart of Louisville.” Through tours, exhibits, and programs, the Museum shares the rich history of Louisville and its past and current residents.

The American Association for State and Local History is a not-for-profit professional organization of individuals and institutions working to preserve and promote history. From its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, AASLH provides leadership, service, and support for its members who preserve and interpret state and local history in order to make the past more meaningful to all people.