Local History Heroes to be honored Wednesday in Charleston
Feb. 20—By GREG JORDAN
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
PRINCETON — Three history enthusiasts representing Mercer and Summers counties are scheduled to be honored Wednesday during the Legislature's West Virginia History Day.
West Virginia History Heroes are nominated by historical, genealogical, preservation, museum and patriotic organizations across the state. This annual award's purpose is to give state-level recognition to individuals chosen for dedicated service on behalf of an organization's program or for a significant contribution to state and local history through research, interpretation or preservation, said Mary Johnson, History Day coordinator for the West Virginia Archives and History.
The 2024 History Hero awards program is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Culture Center's State Theater and will conclude by 11 a.m.
The following people were nominated for the History Hero award:
— William David Bailey has dedicated more than 16 years to the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard, American Legion Post 5.
In addition to serving as the post's commander, he participates in military burials and flag retirements, and he maintains firearms and equipment needed for honor guard services. Bailey, who is also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, was nominated by the Mercer County Historical Society.
— Aaron Lee Owens, who was nominated by the General Hugh Mercer Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, has more than a decade of experience as a living history presenter. He has assisted at numerous living history events such as day camps for students, the Mercer County Heritage Festival and the Mercer County Fair. He portrays a soldier in Revolutionary War West Virginia as well as a hunter and a late 18-century farmer.
In April 2023, Owens was part of a West Virginia delegation that attended an international ceremony at Camden Battlefield that honored and re-interred 14 Revolutionary War soldiers.
— Robert "Cotty" Farley created a project called Inspiration Hall which is designed to motivate students to make their mark in history.
Housed at the Summers County Comprehensive High School cafeteria, the Inspiration Hall gallery uses photos and memorabilia to showcase outstanding county residents who made an impact at the national level.
Farley spent hours researching famous people from Summers County in all fields for recognition in an annual high school ceremony.
West Virginia History Day at the Legislature was started by the West Virginia Archives and History Commission in 1997 and officially designated as a special day to recognize the state's history, Johnson said.
The event is now in its 28th year.
— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
