An organization that popularizes and promotes the preservation of a historical site in Grantsville has been recognized for its efforts by the Utah Division of State History.
The Friends of the Clark Farm was presented with the Outstanding Contribution in History Award at the Utah State History Conference on Sept. 25.
Kevin Fayles, assistant director of operations for the Utah Division of State History, said the group was given the award because of their efforts to make the Clark Historic Farm more visible to the public and improve the facility.
“Two things come to mind,” he said. “One, for their celebration of history, and two, for their positive influence in the community, and by that second one I mean they’ve hosted a 5k race, they’ve had a nativity scene — they’re trying to be a positive influence in the community. I think that’s commendable.”
Fayles said such increased visibility is important to make more of the community aware of and involved with the historical site.
“I think as people attend the sites and they see what’s there, they have a greater appreciation for it and preserving it, hanging onto what’s there,” he said. “We appreciate their efforts. I think it’s pretty selfless what they’re trying to do.”
Entities are nominated for awards, and those nominations are then reviewed and vetted by staff members of the division, Fayles said. Four awards for outstanding contributions to history were awarded, as well as honors for outstanding achievement in history, historical articles and historical books.
Laurie Hurst, president of the Friends of the Clark Farm, said the members of the group were excited and humbled to be honored, especially given the other awardees.
“We were very flattered to be among that company because there were some people who had given a lot of service, lifelong service, and we were the only one who had come along in the last 18 months or so,” she said. “We were very honored.”
Hurst said the work the Friends do would not be possible without a concerted effort by a large group of people working together.
“I think it speaks for the whole group of volunteers who has put in a whole lot of time and effort for something they feel is important in the community,” she said. “It’s not an award for a handful of people; it’s an award for a whole group of people. They would only let four of us on stage, but it belongs to everyone.”