Kingston residents recognized for efforts to preserve local heritage

At its annual general meeting (AGM), Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, the Kingston Historical Society recognized three local residents for their contributions to the preservation and promotion of the history of the Kingston region.

The awards are normally presented at a December event, the Historical Society said, but had to be cancelled in 2020 due to COVID restrictions. According to a release from the society, that was the first year the event was missed since the first presentation in 1993. The society decided that the 2021 awards would be presented as part of this year’s AGM. The meeting was held via Zoom, and very well attended, according to the release.

Awards were presented to the following:

Susan Hannah and Bob Hilderley for their work in publishing, over many years, historical works by local authors. Hilderley was a long-time president of Quarry Press (later The Kingston Press), which Hannah later joined. Over the years they have nurtured many Kingston authors, and published numerous books specific to Kingston’s history, according to the release. 

Paul Robertson has been Kingston’s City Curator of Heritage Services since 2011, the year he was hired to inaugurate the position. According to the release, as a past president of the Ontario Museum Association, Paul is a great ambassador for local heritage, and is noted for his innovative style when it comes to presenting local history.