A local historical group’s swift adoption of technology and social media promotion of its programming has been rewarded.
The Southport Historical Society will receive the 2021 Albert Ray Newsome Award from the Federation of North Carolina Historical Societies. The Southport Historical Society was chosen for its quantity and variety of high-quality virtual and hybrid programs since March 2020.
The all-volunteer organization, which had not produced programs virtually before the pandemic, quickly learned to navigate online platforms and began virtual programs in March 2020. Since that time, the organization has aired 80 programs with more than 50 speakers. They then posted program recordings on Youtube to increase accessibility. The group’s new capacity for online engagement encouraged participation beyond the Southport area and the society’s membership increased by 55%.
Albert Ray Newsome served as secretary of the North Carolina Historical Commission beginning in 1926. He was a strong advocate for the study and preservation of local history. The award named in his honor recognizes outstanding achievements in local history by Federation member organizations. The recipients receive a $250 cash prize and a framed certificate.
The Federation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, operating under the auspices of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. This statewide network of history organizations collaborates to share ideas, develop skills, and serve as local partners for DNCR's Office of Archives and History.
Led by an advisory board representing member organizations statewide, the Federation encourages membership for any history organization in North Carolina. Submit questions to FNCHS Coordinator Adrienne Berney, adrienne.berney@ncdcr.gov. For more information about the Federation, visit https://www.ncdcr.gov/about/history/fnchs.