Longtime Jennings County Historical Society volunteer Chris Asher is a recipient of the prestigious 2024 Sagamore of the Wabash award. An event honoring Asher will take place at the society, 134 E. Brown Street, Vernon, from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1.
Society President Brad Bender will host a brief program at 6 p.m. with presentation of the award by a representative from Gov. Eric Holcomb’s office. This award presented by the Governor of Indiana to recognize those who have rendered distinguished service to the state or governor.
Asher is a 40-year volunteer at the Jennings County Historical Society where she has served as a member of the board of directors, grant writer, event coordinator, curator and past president. Asher also has served as a board member of the Jennings County Community Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Bureau and Council on Domestic Violence.
Through grants from the Jennings County Community Foundation, the Indiana Arts Commission National Endowment for the Arts, Columbus Area Arts Council, Indiana Historical Society, Indiana Humanities, Cummins Engine Foundation, Irwin-Sweeney Miller Foundation and Lilly Endowment, Asher and a team of volunteers spearheaded restoration of the society’s headquarters, the 1838 North American House Museum in historic Vernon.
“The public is invited to attend, visit with Chris and other volunteers from the historical society, enjoy the presentation and refreshments,” said Bender.
