This year’s awardee is Faith Revell, Curator of Education and Public Programs, Valdez Museum and Historical Archive! Patty Relay presented the award:
“In 2011, I hired Faith Revell as the Valdez Museum & Historical Archives first Curator of Education & Public Programs. Since that time, Faith has embraced the role of Community Connector. In addition to working with the schools to bring students to the Museum, she collaborated with local agencies like Valdez Adventure Alliance, the public radio station, artists, the senior center, scholars, historians and the fisheries just to name a few. As her former supervisor, I would say Faith spearheaded a culture of inclusivity welcoming all to the Museum as well as embracing the philosophy that the whole community is part of the Museum.
I also have some statements from community members that I’d like to share:
Beverly Colapietro stated, “Ms. Revell is truly an outstanding educator and connector of people. Her level of commitment to excellence in every program she touches has helped make our local museum a genuinely enlightening experience for locals and out-of-town guests.”
Kent Runion lent his support for Faith, saying, “Faith is a frequent guest and contributor to my Alaska History courses at Valdez High School. I rely on her expertise to help students interpret primary sources and artifacts and learn how to study history. Using hands-on examples, students are able to see how historical interpretation is done and they leave her class aware that history is not just something in a textbook.”
Sharry Miller sings Faith’s praises with the following, “Faith has been a tireless proponent of arts education at the museum in ways that involve community members of all ages. My daughter and I have participated in numerous art workshops Faith has taught herself, as well as ones she coordinated with visiting artists. She is always an energetic, engaging, and enthusiastic workshop instructor and host. Additionally, I have attended and presented at Tuesday Nite History Talks, unfailingly fun and intellectually stimulating opportunities.”
Lanette Oliver added, “For more than a year Faith worked with elementary teachers to create an entire historical unit with interactive activities, literally taking the museum to the students. Additionally, Faith started the 12 Free Days of Christmas. All these activities engage the community with each other, and create a legacy and long-term impact, as many of the students then convince their families to continue regular visits to the museum.”
Thank you, Faith, for all of your excellent work at the Valdez Museum and Historical Archives.”
