June 5, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Barbara Brown, 978-686-9230
Lawrence History Center Celebrates 30 Years—Presents 2008 Dengler Honorees
LAWRENCE—Ten of the most promising and transforming leaders in the Lawrence Community will be honored on Thursday, June 12, 2008, at the 30th Anniversary celebration of the Lawrence History Center. The gala celebration will feature a new exhibit dedicated to the leaders of Lawrence, past and present, with live music, food, and additional artwork and displays in the courtyard of the complex at 6 Essex St. in Lawrence.
The awards commemorate the vision of Eartha Dengler, whose vision to preserve the rich history of the City and its people, inspired her to establish the Lawrence History Center/Immigrant City archives 30 years ago. The Dengler Honorees are reviewed and selected by the past recipients of the award, forging a bond of civic leadership across generations. The 2008 Dengler Award winners are: Jessica Andors, Deputy Director, Lawrence Community Works; Sabrina Dorsainvil, Movement City/Groundwork Lawrence Green Team; Laurie Bottiger, Head of School, Esperanza Academy; Ralph Carrerra, Director, Lawrence Family Charter School; Terry Kelley, Artistic Director, Friends of the Lawrence Public Library; Misael Martinez, Movement City; Michael Miller, Esq., Lawrence Municipal Airport; Gary Sidell, Principal, Bell Tower Development LLC; Manuela Su, Manager of Bilingual Education, Community Training Group; and Larry Yameen, Realtor, LJ Yameen Real Estate.
As these future history makers receiver their honors, the event itself marks an historic turning point. The History Center occupies the former headquarters of the Essex Company, the courtyard of which had been used exclusively by the Essex Company executives and their employees. Since then, lack of funding and maintenance kept the courtyard gates locked for decades. However, historic preservation grants have advanced repairs to the complex, including new courtyard gates, built by YouthBuild workers to the original specifications. Those gates will open next week, and for the first time, Lawrence residents will be able to walk through the courtyard where the City was born, and enjoy new public open space rich with history.
Enel North America, the successor of the Essex Company, is the lead sponsor for the event, along with the Sidell Family of Bell Tower Development LLC. Tickets are $50 each. Contact Acting Director Barbara Brown at 978-686-9230 for tickets or more information.
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