Voting will close April 1 on the first members of the newly-established Wayne County Hall of Honor, an effort to recognize those who have been important to the county’s history.
The Hall of Honor has been organized by the Wayne County Historical Society.
“The Hall of Honor will be an institution devoted to recognizing and honoring noteworthy individuals for their outstanding contributions to Wayne County, Missouri,” the officers and Board of Directors said in a press release.
Voting has already started, said David Bollinger, historical society president.
Voting is only open to members of the historical society, but anyone can join the group. Residency in Wayne County is not required.
More than 200 ballots were mailed last week. The ballots include five categories, with five nominees each. The names of the current nominees are only being released to historical society members, Bollinger said. The group spans a 200-year period.
“We looked for service above all,” Bollinger said. “We have many things in our historical society museum as far as items, but our Board of Directors wanted a section of it dedicated to the people that helped pioneer the county, and who are still servicing the community, as far as civic mindedness.
“We looked for service and dedication to Wayne County.”
The inaugural Hall of Honor class is expected to be announced in the first week of April. Information on how the winners will be honored is also expected to be shared at that time.
The board is considering what type of event could be possible with COVID-19 considerations, Bollinger said.
Bollinger, who has been a member of the historical society for more than two decades, encouraged anyone with ties or interest in Wayne County to participate.
“Once you are a member, you can also nominate somebody for next year,” said Bollinger.
The historical society plans to honor 8-10 people every year. Most categories will be put up for vote, but there will also be some that are decided by the board.
A candidate must have strong ties to the Wayne County communities. They must have distinguished themselves within their occupation, trade or field of endeavor, through pioneering, intellectual, creative, humanitarian and professional accomplishments, according to the historical society. They must have displayed outstanding personal achievement and contributions to the growth and development of the area and peoples.
Only individuals may be elected to the Hall of Honor. Companies, publications, churches, civic clubs or fraternities, and other organizations are not eligible.
“The goal of the board is to make sure to preserve the memories of people who gave so much service to Wayne County,” he said.
Membership in the society is $15 annually or $100 for a lifetime. Payments may be mailed to; Wayne County Historical Society, P.O. Box 222, Piedmont, MO., 63957. Individuals may also join in person at the Luna Museum, located at 108 West Elm in Piedmont. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays Nominations for Hall of Honor candidacy will also be accepted by mail or in person.