Nominations open for Portage County history and preservation awards
By Brandi Makuski
STEVENS POINT — The Portage County Historical Society is accepting nominations for two annual awards recognizing individuals and organizations that help preserve and share Portage County history.
The society has opened the submission window for the Win Rothman Award and the Pine & Iron Award, honoring both public history projects and long-term leadership in local preservation efforts.
The Win Rothman Award is presented annually to individuals who contribute to Portage County history through public history projects. Eligible work must focus on local history and may include books, articles, academic papers, blogs, digital projects, or audio and video productions created or released during the prior calendar year. The award includes a $500 cash prize.
The Pine & Iron Award recognizes individuals, businesses, or organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to preserving, promoting, or supporting Portage County history through leadership, partnerships, or long-term contributions benefiting the community’s historic resources.
“We’re excited to once again celebrate the people and organizations helping preserve and share Portage County’s rich history,” Executive Director John Harry said. “These awards recognize both scholarship and community leadership that strengthen our connection to the past.”
Nomination forms and submission details are available at pchswi.org/awards. Completed nominations must be received between Feb. 1 and March 1 and may be submitted electronically to [email protected] or mailed to the Portage County Historical Society, PO Box 672, Stevens Point, WI 54481. Recipients will be selected by the society’s board of directors.
Award winners will be recognized April 22 during the society’s Annual Awards and Anniversaries Reception in the Great Hall at CREATE Portage County, located in the former convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. The event also recognizes local businesses and organizations celebrating milestone anniversaries, including 10-, 25-, 50-, 75-, 100-, and 125-year marks. The Sisters of St. Joseph will be recognized for 125 years of service to the community.
The Win Rothman Award is named for a charter member of the historical society. Rothman and his wife, Edith, helped develop the organization’s early artifact collections. After his death in 1976, the award was established in his memory. The award fund is now held in partnership with the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. Past recipients include Wendell Nelson, Malcolm Rosholt, and Chelsey Pfiffner.
Questions can be directed to Harry at [email protected].