The Lawrence County Historical Society will host its annual awards banquet on Saturday, October 10, in the Moody Room at Williams Baptist University near Walnut Ridge. The event will feature a keynote address by Dr. Rodney Harris.
Tickets for the banquet are $30 each and can be obtained by contacting any member of the Lawrence County Historical Society board. The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, October 5.
This year's honorees include the City of Walnut Ridge and the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, who will be presented with the Preservation Award for their work on the historic 1908 Iron Mountain Depot in Walnut Ridge.
Nancy Matthews of Jonesboro will receive the Living Lifetime Achievement Award. Matthews is being recognized for her extensive contributions to Lawrence County genealogy through fieldwork, teaching, writing, and online publishing.
The late Retta Covey of Walnut Ridge will be honored with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award. Covey was a long-time educator, civic leader, and advocate for Lawrence County history. Her volunteer efforts included work on national and state commemorative events like the Bicentennial in 1976 and the Sesquicentennial in 1986.
The banquet serves as an opportunity for the Historical Society to celebrate individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to preserving and promoting the rich history of Lawrence County.