The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. (HSW) announced that the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation and the Washington Blade newspaper will be the 2014 recipients of the group’s annual Making D.C. History Awards, which honors the people and organizations that have helped shape the nation’s capital. The awards ceremony will be held at the Society’s headquarters in the historic Carnegie Library on Wednesday, November 5.
“We are delighted to recognize the Cafritz Foundation for their charitable work, particularly support for the arts and humanities, as well as honor the Washington Blade for 45 years of chronicling the city’s LGBT community and its role in helping promote a dialogue about Washington’s diverse residents,” said Julie Koczela, Chair of the Society’s Board of Trustees.
Formerly known as the Legacy Gala, prior recipients of the Society’s awards include publishers Austin and Knight Kiplinger, developer B.F. Saul, philanthropist Albert H. Small, the family of D.C. Mayor Walter E. Washington, and the prominent Quander Historical Association.
“As HSW celebrates its 120th anniversary this year, it is important to recognize others in our community who are helping preserve the history of this rapidly changing city,” said John Suau, the Society’s Executive Director.
Founded by one of the city’s most prominent developers, the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation continues to build a stronger community for residents of the Washington, D.C. area. “We continue to honor my parents’ commitment to improve the quality of life in the Washigton metropolitan area for residents and visitors alike,” said Calvin Cafritz, President and CEO of the family foundation.
The Washington Blade is the oldest LGBT newspaper in the United States. As home to the collections of the Rainbow History Project, the Historical Society maintains a near-complete set of issues in its research library. “We’re honored to receive this recognition from the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.,” said Washington Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “It’s especially meaningful because so much of our mission is dedicated to telling the stories of the local community.”
The awards presentation held in November serves as one of the Historical Society’s principal fundraisers. Ticket sales and sponsorships help support educational programs, public workshops, and preservation of the Society’s historic collections.