Johnson chosen for statewide history award

Barb Johnson has been chosen as this year's Hubert Hawkins Local History Award recipient by the the Indiana Historical Society.

The award recognizes a local historian for distinguished service in local history. Johnson will be recognized during the society's annual Founders Day dinner on Monday, Nov. 5, at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center in downtown Indianapolis.

The society cited Johnson's long history in local history efforts including:

• Sponsoring two local clubs, the Hope Elementary Little Hoosiers and the Hauser Junior-Senior High Historians, in the early 1980s
• Leading the efforts to move and restore the Simmons School.
• Organizing a curriculum for the Simmons School; creating a teacher's manual; soliciting donations of period furniture and school materials; managing the website and building rental; and training volunteers to portray marms and masters.
• Volunteering at the Yellow Trail Museum for the past 38 years.

"While I had taken students almost every year after 1992, I began serving as school marm in 2006 upon my retirement," writes Janice Montgomery. "Barb was superb in providing support, training, encouragement and lots of humor. As of the 25th anniversary of the school, about 50,000 students had visited and experienced a one-room schoolhouse adventure."

Hubert Hawkins served as executive secretary of IHS and director of the Indiana Historical Bureau.

"Like Hubert Hawkins, Barb spent much of her life increasing interest and participation in local history," writes Candace Taff Carr in a letter of support for Johnson's nomination. "She truly embodies the spirit of Hubert Hawkins and is more than deserving of this IHS award."