Press Releases, Awards & Honors

Awards & Honors

2016

• Garrison Hughes received the Best of Show Award at the American Advertising Federation’s District Two Competition in New York City. The award was for its World War II campaign for the Senator John Heinz History Center. (May)

2015

• The History Center won two WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards for Ceremony & Reception Venue and Rehearsal Dinner Location. (January)
• AASLH Leadership in History Award for The Civil War in Pennsylvania traveling exhibit. (June)
•  The Senator John Heinz History Center received two Awards of Merit at the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) Pittsburgh Renaissance Awards: one for Media Relations (under $20,000) for the Heinz exhibit media preview and launch, and one for External Publication for the Fall 2014 Making History newsletter. (January)
• The History Center’s Museum Conservation Center met standards required for NC Gold certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). (February)
• Western Pennsylvania History magazine won two Communicator Awards, presented by the International Academy of Visual Arts: Award of Excellence (Gold)—Magazine Design for the Summer 2014 profile “Oz in the Oil Fields” and Award of Distinction (Silver)—Magazine Writing for the Winter 2013-2014 story “Cartoon Correspondence” by Tom Powers. (April)
• The Pittsburgh Business Times honored Ned Schano, Director of Communications, as a winner of the 2015 Fast Tracker Award, which honors business and nonprofit leaders from the region under the age of 40. (May)
• Western Pennsylvania History magazine won a 2015 American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA for the Spring 2015 World War II issue. This year, GDUSA received almost 10,000 entries and only 15 percent were recognized with a Certificate of Excellence. (September)
• Western Pennsylvania History magazine won two 2015 Davey Awards, presented by the International Academy of Visual Arts: Award of Distinction (Silver)—Cover Design for the Winter 2014-15 issue and Award of Distinction (Silver)—Copywriting for the Fall 2014 article “Heinz: Much More Than 57 Varieties.” (October)

2014

• PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) Pittsburgh Renaissance Awards honored Ned Schano, Director of Communications, as the Non-Profit Communicator of the Year. (January)

• The Senator John Heinz History Center received the 2014 Champion for Children Award from the Homeless Children’s Education Fund. (March)

• The Fort Pitt Chapter of the First Region Association of the United States Army presented the Patriotic Service Award to the Senator John Heinz History Center for continued support to the “Warrior Community.” (May)

• The Senator John Heinz History Center received the Leadership in History Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) for The Civil War in Pennsylvania: The African American Experience

• The Senator John Heinz History Center received PA Museums’ President’s Award & S.K. Stevens Memorial Award for From Slavery to Freedom.

• The Western Pennsylvania History magazine had two finalists for the 2014 Golden Quill Awards presented by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania: “Behind the Scenes of the Allegheny Arsenal Explosion” by Tom Powers, and James Wudarczyk for History/Culture Article or Series, Summer 2013 issue;and the Civil War in Pennsylvania cover for Best Cover Design,by Brian Butko and Quest Fore Staff, Summer 2013 issue.

• Robert L. Vann Media Award for “Relating the African-American Experience,” newspaper feature story on Director of African American Programs Samuel Black by Rex Rutkoski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. (September)

• Western Pennsylvania History magazine won a 2014 American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA for the Summer 2013 Civil War in Pennsylvania issue. This year, GDUSA received more than 8,000 entries and only 15 percent were recognized with Certificates of Excellence. (September)

• The Spring 2014 issue of Western Pennsylvania History magazine won an Award of Honor for Publication Design, Other Graphic Design at the 2014 Golden Triangle Awards, sponsored by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). (September)

• Samuel W Black was honored in February 2014 by The Governor’s Advisory Committee on African American Affairs Black History Month recognition of African American leaders from across Pennsylvania for their commitment and dedication to their community and for significant contributions to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

• Western Pennsylvania History Magazine won two Communicator Awards for 2014: Award of Excellence in magazine design for the Frank Baum profile “Oz in the Oil Fields” and Award of Distinction in magazine writing for the WWII story “Cartoon Correspondence.”

2013

• Western Pennsylvania History magazine, in conjunction with Pennsylvania Heritage (a publication of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission) and Pennsylvania Legacies (published by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania), won three Communicator Awards for their Summer 2013 joint issue: Award of Excellence (Gold)—Cover Design, Award of Excellence (Gold)—Interior Design, and Award of Distinction (Silver)—Copy/Writing.

• Western Pennsylvania History magazine won a 2013 American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA. It honors outstanding work in 23 categories.

• Western Pennsylvania History magazine won two 2013 Davey Awards, presented by the International Academy of Visual Arts: Award of Distinction (Silver)—Overall Graphic Design and Award of Distinction (Silver)—Cover Design.

• PA Civil War 150, Senator John Heinz History Center, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation received the Merit Publication Award from the American Association for State and Local History for The Civil War in Pennsylvania: A Photographic History.

• The Senator John Heinz History Center received the Exhibit Merit Award from the American Association for State and Local History for From Slavery to Freedom.

• Western Pennsylvania History magazine won two Communicator Awards, presented by the International Academy of Visual Arts: Award of Excellence (Gold)—Cover Design and Award of Distinction (Silver)—Writing.

• African Diaspora World Tourism Award, Cultural Exhibit Flame Keeper for From Slavery to Freedom, for Dedicated Service in Cultural Heritage Tourism, 2013

2012

• The History Center won the Bride’s Choice Awards presented by the WeddingWire. (January)

• PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) Pittsburgh Renaissance Awards honored Andrew Masich, President & CEO, as the Communicator of the Year, for a not-for-profit organization (January)

• In collaboration with Regennia N. Williams, Samuel Black, Curator of African American Collections at the History Center, published the book Through the Lens of Allen E. Cole: A Photographic History of African Americans in Cleveland, Ohio. (January / February)

• The Western Pennsylvania History magazine had two finalists for the 2012 Golden Quill Awards presented by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania; “I do not believe I was born to be shot by an Indian’ Tom McClelland’s Pursuit of Fortune” by Betty Bettencourt Dodds for History/Culture Feature Spring 2011 issue,and the Ben Franklin cover for Best Cover Design, by Quest Fore Design Group, Spring 2011 issue.

• The City of Pittsburgh recognized the History Center as its inaugural partner in the “Redd Up Pittsburgh” campaign (March).

• The Western Pennsylvania History magazine won three Communicator Awards, presented by the International Academy of Visual Arts; Award of Excellence (Gold)—Interior Design; Award of Excellence (Gold)—Writing; and Award of Distinction (Silver)—Cover Design.

2011

• The History Center was honored with the 2010-2011 Pittsburgh American Advertising Award. (March)

• Brian Butko, Director of Publications, was honored with a Maroon and Gold Quill Award for statewide writing successes by the Friends of the Bloomsburg University Library Association. (April)

• From the Communicator Awards the Western Pennsylvania History magazine received three national design award presented by The International Academy of Visual Arts; specifically for the 2010 summer edition, Beat ‘em Bucs issue (May):
  • Award of Excellence: Cover Design
  • Awards of Distinction: Educational Institution & Interior Design

• As a client of Garrison Hughes, the History Center received the Addy Award from the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Advertising Federation for Advertising for the Arts & Sciences.

• The Allegheny County Health Department awarded the History Center for being a “Breastfeeding Friendly Place” in the category of “Public Place.”

2010

• The History Center receives a grant award from the U.S. Department of Education Underground Railroad Educational and Cultural Program for 2010-2013. The award will help fund the From Slavery to Freedom: The Underground Railroad and the Legacy of Freedom in Western Pennsylvania exhibit and program project.

• The Western Pennsylvania History magazine was honored by having 3 finalists in the 46th annual Golden Quill competition, sponsored by The Press Club of Western Pennsylvania (June):
  • Page Design, Magazines: Layout from “Innovations” Edition, QuestFore, Senator John Heinz History Center
  • Health/Medical articles, Magazines: “Mr. Yuk Nears 40,” Christopher McCarrick and Tim Ziaukas, Senator John Heinz History Center; “Miner’s Clinic,” Bette McDevitt, Senator John Heinz History Center

• At a ceremony at Governor Rendell’s residence, Andrew Masich, President & CEO, was inducted into the Keystone Society for Tourism and honored with the Leadership Award. (June)

2009

• Volunteer Cliff Fair was honored by the National Association of Women Business Owners at their “Making the Connections” dinner.  This is an annual award acknowledging the work of volunteers from approximately 40 different organizations through-out the city. (April 22)

• The Western Pennsylvania History magazine’s article “Radio X” is a finalist in the 2009
  Golden Quill Awards presented by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania.
  It was in the magazine category: 4F–Health/Medical.

• The Western Pennsylvania History magazine received the Silver Certificate of Merit in the 2008-09 ADDYs. A series of three spreads (from 2008) were entered in the publication design category; “The Darkest Month,” “I Have Lived History” and “Sound and Fury.”

• The Western Pennsylvania History magazine was a finalist in the 2009 Golden Quill Awards presented by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania.

• The Communicator Award of Distinction was awarded to the Western Pennsylvania History magazine by the International Academy of the Visual Arts.

• The Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life’s Rockshelter construction project (F.J. Busse Co., Contractor) received the Best New Construction under $10 million from the Master Builder’s Association of Western Pennsylvania. The project was also a finalist in the Excellence in Craftsmanship (February)

• The History Center received accreditation through the American Association of Museums, providing national recognition for the museum. (November)

• The History Center was honored with the Institute of Museum and Library Services Bookshelf Award.

2008

• Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam Era exhibition was awarded with the prestigious national ADDY Award while the History Center’s advertising agency, Garrison Hughes, print advertising campaign for Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam Era earned the Mosaic Award

• Visit Pittsburgh presents the History Center with the “Innovator Award” for its role in kicking off the regional Pittsburgh 250 celebration

• The History Center’s Western Pennsylvania History Magazine was awarded an Honorable Mention in the 2008 AAM Museum Publications Design Competition for each of the four issues of the magazine published in 2007.

• In the annual journalism contest sponsored by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania, President & CEO Andrew Masich won the “Golden Quill Award” for a television feature produced with WQED. (May 12)

• Sherrie Flick, Editorial Assistant, was awarded a PA Council on the Arts Individual fellowship in 2007, and a Heinz Endowments 2-year Audience Experience Initiative grant in collaboration with Silver Eye Center for Photography. She also had two stories included in Best American Flash Fiction of the 21st Century, 2008.

• The Pittsburgh Business Times awarded Andy Masich a Diamond Award for his outstanding leadership in non-profit management.

• The History Center’s, Western Pennsylvania History magazine, was awarded with a “Silver Communicator Award” from the International Academy of Visual Arts.

• The Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life received Preservation Pennsylvania’s Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Annual Theme Award – 2007 Archaeology.

• The Lincoln Highway Association honored Brian Butko, Director of Publication, as Author of the Year.

• Brian Butko, Director of Publication, Sherrie Flick, Editorial Assistant, and the History Center itself received the 2008 Communicator Award from the International Academy of the Visual Arts for the Western Pennsylvania History

• Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam Era earned the Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations’ (PFMHO) S.K. Stevens Memorial Award, which honors outstanding accomplishments in preserving Pennsylvania history.

• Samuel W. Black, Curator of African American Collections, was an honoree for The New Pittsburgh Courier 50 Men of Excellence and also received a Certificate of Recognition from the Allegheny County Council.

• The New York Times highlighted the History Center as the first stop in a full-page travel story titled “36 Hours in Pittsburgh.”

• ESPN’s top-rated television show, “SportsCenter,” aired a special segment at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum during the Federated Investors Parade of Champions.

• The Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life receives Special Congressional Recognition for the Grand Re-Opening of the site and completion of the new enclosure.  Congressman Tim Murphy, 18th District.

• The African American Historical & Genealogical Society of Pittsburgh honored Samuel W. Black, Curator of African American Collections, “For Scholarly Contributions to African American History” in large part for his work on the Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam Era

• The Western Pennsylvania History magazine received Honorable Mention in the 2008 AAM Museum Publication Design Competition.

• The Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life received a Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award for the Rockshelter project. (September)

• The Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life’s Rockshelter project designed by Pfaffmann & Associates received the prestigious Silver Medal from the American Institute of Architects, Pittsburgh Chapter. (October)

2007

• Emmy Award (Andy Masich) narration of “Stone Soldiers: Saving the Gettysburg Monuments” (in cooperation with WQED)

• Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam Era won the highest level awards for leadership in history from the American Association for State & Local History and from the Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations

• The History Center received the “Certificate of Acceptance” from the National Park Service for Journey to Freedom: The Underground Railroad meeting the requirements for inclusion in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom

• Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations honored the History Center with the “S.K. Stevens Award” at the National Civil War Museum for the Clash of Empires: The British, French and Indian War 1754 – 1763 exhibition (October 31)

• Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations honored Katherine Holter, a volunteer at the History Center, with the “Heart and Soul Award” at the National Civil War Museum (October 31)

• Clash of Empires: The British, French and Indian War 1754 – 1763 exhibition received the “Award of Merit” from the American Association of State and Local History (AASLH) and from Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations

• Clash of Empires: The British, French and Indian War 1754 – 1763 exhibition was presented with “Excellence in Communications and Design” from American Graphic Design

• Southwest Book of the Year Award, Civil War in Arizona: The Story of the California Volunteers, 1861-66 (2006)

• NY Times Bestseller, Dan Rooney: My 75 Years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL (2007)

• Anne Madarasz, Museum Division Director/Director of Sports Museum, was honored by the Women and Girls Foundation with their “Women in Sports: Leveling the Playing Field Award”

• Andrew Masich received a “Certificate of Appreciation” for the Boy Scout Outreach Day Camp of the Greater Pittsburgh Council, Boy Scouts of America

• The Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life is included among “The World’s Most Significant Sites and Cultural Treasures” as compiled in The World Encyclopedia of Archaeology, Firefly Books Ltd., Global Book Publishing, Australia, 2007.

2006

• Unveiled History Center’s installation of life-size figures of George Washington and Franco Harris at airside terminal, Pittsburgh International Airport. (January 27)

• National Geographic writes article “What genes and fossils tell us” highlighting the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life in its March 2006 issue

• History Center’s Clash of Empires: The British, French and Indian War 1754 – 1763 exhibition opens at Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Canada (May 30 – 31)

• Old Stories, New Voices week-long summer camp at Meadowcroft for inner city youth in partnership with Colorado Historical Society. (July 9 – 15)

• Andy Masich, President/CEO received Slovak Cultural Award from the Western Pennsylvania Slovak Cultural Association (July 23)

• Emmy nomination for On Q: Young George (September 2006)

• American Association for State and Local History presents History Center with “Award of Merit” for the Clash of Empires: The British, French and Indian War 1754 – 1763 exhibition (September 16)

• Pennsylvania Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations presents History Center with Award of Merit for the Clash of Empires: The British, French and Indian War 1754 – 1763 exhibition (September 25)

• Grand Opening, Soul Soldiers: African Americans the Vietnam Conflict exhibition (November 15, following Veteran’s Day parade)

• Grand Opening, Clash of Empires: The British, French and Indian War 1754 – 1763 exhibition at Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. (December 15)

• The History Center’s Smithsonian Wing met standards required for NC~2 Silver level from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

• Andrew Masich was honored with the WPSCA Culture Award by the Western Pennsylvania Slovak Cultural Association for his dedication and service to preserving and enriching the Slovak Culture in Western Pennsylvania

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