The Bethel Historical Society
Is Honored for its Newsletter
By Chris Costanzo

Last Friday, Oct. 13, at the Local Historical Society Achievement Awards in the main chamber of the Vermont State House in Montpelier, the Bethel Historical Society (BHS) was honored in the category of "society operations," specifically for the excellence of its quarterly newsletter.  

BHS newsletter editor, Heidi Nikolaidis, received the award from Vermont Historical Society executive director Kevin Graffagnino. The citation notes that the BHS newsletter includes not only notices and events, but also articles and photos on historical topics, a Bethel quiz with unidentified photos, and other information about the Bethel community.

It goes on to note that the newsletter "is so well put together that one contributor claims that even people who have no idea where Bethel is enjoy reading it…many of the 150 members of the BHS pay to join just so they can receive the newsletter." The citation concludes that "the Bethel Historical Society and editor Heidi Nikolaidis have accomplished a great deal with relatively few resources."

Other societies were honored in such categories as exhibits, museum techniques and historical publications. Gov. Jim Douglas came to the ceremony and spoke to underscore the importance of keeping history alive through the activities of local historical societies.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the day’s events, billed collectively as "Bringing the Past to the Future," included a number of workshops and seminars. Nikolaidis told The Herald that she particularly appreciated the opportunity afforded by the event to meet members of other historical societies in Vermont, compare notes, and exchange information as to their diverse activities.

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