Public Asked to Pick Four Essex Heritage ‘Trailblazers’

Community Spotlight is heard quarter past every hour on 97.9 WHAV. Greater Haverhill non-profit organizations are invited to submit news of events, fundraising appeals and other community calendar announcements. Click to use the Submit News Tip form to submit your information.

Community Spotlight is heard quarter past every hour on 97.9 WHAV. Greater Haverhill non-profit organizations are invited to submit news of events, fundraising appeals and other community calendar announcements. Click to use the Submit News Tip form to submit your information.

The Essex National Heritage Commission plans to honor 131 “trailblazers” from across the county, at a 20th Anniversary Gala: A Toast to the Trailblazers  in April.

From the 131, the public is being asked to vote for one in each of four categories to receive a special toast. Trailblazers are “the extraordinary organizations and people who make the Essex National Heritage Area so exceptional.” Haverhill, Methuen and Andover organizations are among the nominees.

“We are happy to celebrate the many accomplishments of our friends and partners over the past 20 years,” said Annie Harris, Essex Heritage CEO. “Each nominee contributes to the Essex National Heritage Area’s successes, and we’re thrilled to use this opportunity to create greater awareness of this unique place as we plan for our future.”

The public may visit EssexHeritage.org/gala to choose organizations to be recognized for “Preserving this Special Region: Conserving resources,” “Connecting People to Place: Creating authentic experiences,” “Advancing Our Educational Mission: Fostering innovative learning experiences” and “Building and Growing Our Future: Investing in new opportunities.”

Essex Heritage’s 20th Anniversary Gala: A Toast to the Trailblazers takes place Wednesday, April 5, 7 p.m., at Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. The event will include cocktails, dinner and an auction. Money raised benefits Essex Heritage programs which support the preservation and enhancement of unique places in the 34 cities and towns of Essex County. Tickets are $150 per person.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit EssexHeritage.org/Gala or call Essex Heritage at 978-740-0444.