Recipients – Historical Award of Merit
The VHS Historical Award of Merit is given annually to one or more persons who have made significant contributions to the understanding and appreciation of Vancouver history. The non-monetary awards are usually presented at the Society’s annual observance of Incorporation Day, commemorating Vancouver’s incorporation as a city on April 6, 1886.
| 2019 | John Mackie, for his achievements in preserving, researching and publicizing Vancouver history through his articles in the Vancouver Sun. | |
| 2018 | Bruce Watson for his extraordinary research into the fur trade, his promotion of Vancouver history, and his tireless service to the Vancouver Historical Society. | |
| 2017 | Marguerite Ford for her decades of service to the City of Vancouver, including her role in supporting heritage preservation and founding the Heather Heritage Society to save the original Vancouver General Hospital. | |
| 2016 | Diane Switzer for her leadership and development of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation and its promotion of the city’s history and built heritage. | |
| 2015 | Jim McGraw for his outstanding service as educator and communicator for the Vancouver Historical Society, including his work as newsletter editor. | |
| 2014 | Les Mobbs for his achievements in making the rich collections of the City of Vancouver Archives open and accessible to all. Joan Seidl for her work in developing the Museum of Vancouver’s extensive collection and presenting it creatively to the citizens of Vancouver. | |
| 2013 | Colin Preston for his tireless efforts to enhance the public’s interest in and awareness of the history of Vancouver as recorded in moving images. | |
| 2012 | Charles Hou for his work as author, educator, and trail explorer, all of which have enriched the public’s interest and awareness of the history of Vancouver and its surrounding region. | |
| 2011 | Andrew Martin for his tireless and invaluable research over the years through the Vancouver Public Library Special Collections which has provided not only the Vancouver Historical Society but also the public at large much-needed information and illustrations related to the city’s history. | |
| 2010 | Daniel Francis for his significant contributions to the history of Vancouver and British Columbia through his prolific writing both in print and on the internet. | |
| Larry Wong for his considerable efforts to instill a wider appreciation of the contributions of Canadians of Chinese ancestry to Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada. | ||
| 2009 | James C. Johnstone for his exhaustive research into house histories which has unearthed fascinating details about and has thrown new light on the lives and social conditions of families who have lived in Vancouver. | |
| Henry Ewert for his meticulous research into the operation, route, equipment and personnel of the B.C. Electric Railway Company and the generous sharing of his knowledge through his books and lectures and freely given time. | ||
| 2008 | Chuck Davis, local historian extraordinaire, for uncovering the stories that give life to our city's history and with loving care and boundless enthusiasm, passing them on to all of us. | |
| 2007 | John Atkin for his rich understanding of Vancouver’s past, shared with the wider public through his tours and talks, books, broadcasts and the internet. | |
| 2006 | Jacqueline Gresko for outstanding contributions to local and regional history through her scholarship, teaching, and organizational leadership. | |
| 2005 | Sue Baptie for enhancing the scope and accessibility of the City Archives, and greatly increasing public awareness of this vital historical resource. | |
| 2004 | Dr. Wallace B. Chung for his outstanding contributions to the library and museum collections of Vancouver in support of historical research. | |
| 2003 | Dr. Jean Barman for her contributions to Vancouver and B.C. historiography. | |
| 2002 | Nancy Knickerbocker for her book, No Plaster Saint - The Life of Mildred Osterhout Fahrni. | |
| 2001 | Ivan Sayers for preserving and presenting the social history of Vancouver through the means of clothing. | |
| 2000 | Donald Luxton and Lilia D'Acres for their book, Lions Gate. | |
| 1999 | Elizabeth Walker for her book, Street Names of Vancouver. | |
| 1998 | Morag Maclachlan for her contributions to local historical education and writing. | |
| 1997 | Dr. Robert A. J. McDonald for his book, Making Vancouver, and other historical research and writing. | |
| 1996 | Vancouver Women's Musical Club for 90 years of bringing music to Vancouver audiences. | |
| Jean Crowley for her contributions to the preservation of our local history. | ||
| John Spittle for the preservation of heritage trails in B.C. and service to the VHS. | ||
| 1995 | Melva Dwyer for contributions to local history and service to the VHS. | |
| Cyril Leonoff for contributions to Jewish history and service to the VHS. | ||
| 1994 | Elek Imredy for his distinguished contribution to sculpture in Vancouver. | |
| Irene Howard for her book, Helena Guttridge: Struggle for Social Justice in B.C. | ||
| 1993 | Bruce Macdonald for his book, Vancouver - A Visual History. | |
| 1992 | Leonard McCann for the historical conservation of maritime history. | |
| 1991 | Esther Birney for exceptional services to the VHS. | |
| 1990 | Martin Rogers for the creation of the B.C. Sugar Company Museum. | |
| 1989 | Guy Faint for his work towards the Hastings Park Restoration. | |
| 1988 | Anne Yandle, Jill Rowland and Peggy Imredy for overseeing the production of the Vancouver Centennial Bibliography. | |
| 1987 | Joe Swan for historical research on the Vancouver City Police history and museum. | |
| 1986 | Elizabeth Walker and Helen Boutilier for exceptional service to the VHS. | |
| 1985 | Evelyn Atkinson for the historical preservation of CPR Locomotive #374. | |
| 1984 | Canadian Pacific Railway Co. for the historical preservation of the CPR Train Station. | |
| 1983 | Grocery Hall of Fame for the historical preservation of 1241 Homer St. | |
| 1982 | Edmond and Garry Colchester for historical research on Vancouver architecture. | |
| 1981 | Gerald Rushton for historical research on Union Steamships. | |
| 1980 | Janet Bingham for the historical preservation of Roedde House. | |
| Ron D'Altroy for the creation of the Vancouver Public Library's Historical Photos Section. | ||
| 1979 | Anne Yandle for exceptional service to the Vancouver Historical Society. | |
| Rhona Fleming for exceptional services to the Vancouver Heritage Advisory Committee. | ||
| 1978 | Douglas & McIntyre for interest and support of local history writers. | |
| Elizabeth O'Kiely for efforts to preserve many local buildings. | ||
| John Gibbard for the historical preservation of Fraser Valley heritage. | ||
| 1977 | Norman Hacking for the historical preservation of B.C. maritime history. | |
| Dr. Wallace B. Chung for the historical preservation of 427 Powell St. | ||
| Actors' Workshop Society for saving from demolition #2 Firehall at 199 Main. | ||
| City of Vancouver for the historical preservation of the Orpheum Theatre. | ||
| 1976 | Dr. Harry Hawthorn and Prof. Audrey Hawthorn for the collection and preservation of historical artifacts for the U.B.C. Museum of Anthropology | |
| Marks and Spencer for the historical preservation of 556 Granville Steet. | ||
| C. Lefevre for the design of the façade at 556 Granville Street. | ||
| Larry H. Killam for the historical preservation of Gastown. | ||
| 1975 | Joseph Oberhoffer for the historical restoration of the Army and Navy Store. | |
| 1974 | University Women's Club for the historical preservation of Hycroft Manor. |