30 Years of recognizing excellence in Newfoundland & Labrador’s heritage
We are currently seeking nominations for the 2024 HSA Manning Awards for Excellence in the Public Presentation of Historic Places.
The Manning Awards
Background
2024 marks the 30th anniversary of HSA’s Manning Awards for Excellence in the Public Presentation of Historic Places. The awards were created in 1993 to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals, communities and organizations in preserving and presenting Newfoundland and Labradors history and heritage.
The awards are named for the late Bill Manning, a former Parks Canada Superintendent of NL’s National Historic Sites, who strengthened and expanded the sites in the province, with a vision of greater community involvement.
The Manning Awards are held biannually in May under the patronage of the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Bill Manning
The Honourable Edward Roberts History Book Award
This biannual award was renamed The Honourable Edward Roberts History Book Award in 2022 in honour of Edward Roberts QC and recognizes authors publishing written works that exemplify excellence in the interpretation of the heritage and history of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is administered by the HSA and overseen by a committee comprised of volunteers from the Association’s Board of Directors and Emeritus Members.
Edward Roberts
The Heritage and History Book Award Committee compiles the shortlist and carefully considers each selection before choosing the final recipient. The committee is comprised of dedicated heritage volunteers, historians, historical authors, history educators, and specialists in Newfoundland and Labrador studies. From 2004 to 2016 the Heritage and History Book Award was a joint initiative of the HSA and the Writer’s Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador (WANL). Seventeen outstanding literary works in the genres of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children/young adult were previously recognized with the award. The award is now specifically for non-fiction works and is awarded biannually by the HSA.
Awards are presented in 3 categories:
Outstanding Heritage Project Award
Recognizes an outstanding work in the presentation of history and/or heritage..
Outstanding Heritage Organization
Recognizes an organization’s long-term impact and leadership in the presentation of NL’s history and/or heritage.
Outstanding Heritage Supporter
Recognizes significant contributions by an individual to NL’s heritage sector through the course of their professional and/or volunteer careers.
This award recognizes authors publishing written works that exemplify excellence in the interpretation of the heritage and history of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Dr. Paul O’Neill Scholarship
The Historic Sites Association established the Dr. Paul O’Neill Scholarship in 2003 to recognize his contributions to the study and promotion of Newfoundland and Labrador culture and history. The scholarship is valued at $1,000.00 and is awarded biannually to an undergraduate student at Memorial University enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program. There is no restriction by major or minor, but students must show academic excellence, enthusiasm, and interest in some area of Newfoundland Studies as part of their degree program. The scholarship is awarded based on the recommendation of the Dean, Faculty of Arts.
Born in 1928 in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Paul O’Neill graduated from the National Academy of Theatre Arts in New York in 1948. He was a professional actor in the U.S. and England until 1954. He returned to Newfoundland and became a CBC producer, retiring in 1986. He is the author of The Oldest City – The Story of St. John’s, considered the definitive history of the city.
Dr. Paul O’Neill
2022 Manning Awards Ceremony
The 2022 Manning Awards ceremony took place on June 9th to celebrate 4 Manning Awards, an Outstanding Heritage Supporter, The Honourable Edward Roberts History Book Award, and The Dr. Paul O’Neill Scholarship.