Lacey Historical Commission seeking nominees for Historian of the Year

The Lacey Historical Commission is accepting nominations for its 2026 Historian of the Year award, with submissions closing at the end of the month. 

The honor, officially known as the Ken Balsley Lacey Historian of the Year Award, recognizes individuals and organizations that have contributed to preserving or promoting the City of Lacey’s history. Nominations are open through March 31. 

Since its founding in 2002, the award has honored more than 20 individuals and organizations working in research, education and civic service.

Its first recipient, Shirley Dziedzic, spearheaded efforts to preserve the Gallagher House and establish the Remembrance Place at the Lacey Museum, among other projects. 

Early recipients also included Roger Easton, a teacher who spent 18 years on the Lacey Historical Commission and devoted thousands of hours transcribing pioneer diaries. 

In 2023, the award was renamed to honor Ken Balsley, a local historian and 2015 recipient whose idea more than two decades ago gave rise to the recognition program. 

That same year, Dr. Thelma Jackson received the award for research on Black residents in Thurston County that resulted in a book documenting the community from 1950 to 1975. 

More recently, Paul Webb received the 2024 award for research on Lacey’s early history and the development of its fire department.  

John Dziedzic followed in 2025. As secretary of the Lacey Historical Society, Dziedzic is credited with saving the society from closure in 2023 and is well-known in the community for actively promoting historical preservation and civic engagement. His selection restored the award back to a familiar name — his mother, Shirley, had been its first recipient 23 years earlier. 

To submit a nomination, forms are available online or in person at the Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation Department, 420 College St. S.E. in Lacey. 

The commission will consider nominees at its April 15 meeting, set for 6 p.m., at Lacey City Hall. The session is accessible via Zoom. 

The 2026 winner will be announced during Lacey History Month in May, the city's annual tribute to its community heritage.