THE HERITAGE AWARD
The Falmouth Historical Society established this award in 2000 to mark its 100th anniversary and to recognize those who have provided outstanding leadership and made significant contributions to the Falmouth community. Over the years, we’ve been honored to recognize and thank many deserving individuals and groups who have helped to preserve the character, culture, history, and environment we cherish. Their leadership has inspired others. Their legacies will not be forgotten.
THE HERITAGE AWARD WINNERS
2000 Robert H. Bidwell, Raleigh Costa, The Hough Family & Falmouth Enterprise,
Ermine W. Lovell, Mary Lou Smith
2001 William M. Dunkle, Charlotte S. Price, Thomas H. Renshaw
2002 Barbara A. Bunker, Alfred G. Irish
2003 Richard E. Kendall, Edward L. Marks Jr.
2004 Marina & Tony Andrews, Kenneth F. Braga, Arthur D. Calfee
2005 The 300 Committee, Ann L. Sears
2006 Susan L. Shephard
2007 George R. Hampson
2008 Kitty Baker
2009 Woods Hold Public Library, Woods Hole Historical Collection & Museum
2010 Megan and DeWitt C. Jones III
2011 Judith G. Stetson, George R. Spivey
2012 Falmouth Visiting Nurses Association, Visiting Nurses Association of Cape Cod
2013 Tommy Leonard
2014 Sally M. Cross, Elizabeth Heald Arthur
2015 Karen Rinaldo, Joan Kanwisher, Donald Fish
2016 The Tietje Family, Admiral Thomas Bushy
2017 Falmouth Garden Club, Old Stone Dock Association
2018 David Willard, Falmouth Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS)
2019 Vicky Lowell, Carolyn Partan, Virginia Valiela
2020 Postponed to 2021 –Penelope Duby, Margaret Gifford, Barbara Kanellopoulos, Sharon Nunes & Pamela Rothstein
2022 Skipped
2023 Brenda Swain
2024 Michael McNaught
2024 Heritage Award Dinner will be held Saturday, June 29th
Michael McNaught’s life story is a captivating adventure displaying a profound dedication to education. His upbringing, spanning England and Tanzania, was colored by the experiences of a military family, fostering a spirit of curiosity and resilience from a young age. An unexpected encounter with the Egyptian Revolution in 1952 added a thrilling chapter to his childhood, leaving an indelible mark on his adventurous spirit. Despite familial expectations to follow a military path, Michael’s passion for teaching took root and blossomed. His academic journey led him to excel at Oxford University, where he earned both a BA and MA in history, solidifying his commitment to the realm of education. A serendipitous turn of events led him to St. Bernard’s School in New York City in 1961, where he not only found his calling, but also found love with fellow educator, his late wife Lyn whom he married in 1966. Their bond led to a lifelong partnership, starting in Lenox, Massachusetts, where Michael was head of the Berkshire Country Day School. Their journey together spanned over four decades, nurturing young minds across New England while raising a loving family of their own.
Upon retirement, Michael and Lyn settled in Falmouth, where they continued their commitment to education and community service. Lyn’s pivotal role in the Falmouth Education Foundation found support from Michael, showcasing their shared dedication to enhancing educational opportunities for others. Michael’s contributions to the Falmouth Historical Society, through lectures, as board member, and caring for the society’s grounds, reflect his deep-rooted connection to preserving and sharing local heritage. Michael McNaught stands as a cherished figure in the Falmouth community, admired for his unwavering commitment to education, historical preservation, and his profound impact on the lives of many. His legacy, intertwined with the fabric of Falmouth’s heritage, undoubtedly merits recognition and honor, making him a deserving recipient of a Heritage Award.
