NASHVILLE, TN.– June 12, 2026 – The AASLH awards The American Association for State

and Local History (AASLH) proudly announces that the Gordon Parks Museum is the recipient of an Award of Excellence for the Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church Commemorative Park Project. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards are the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

The Wayman A.M.E. Church Commemorative Park was developed on the original site of the historic Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, which stood at 301 S. Lowman Street in Fort Scott, Kansas, for 116 years. After the property was donated to the Gordon Parks Museum, it was transformed into a tribute park honoring the oldest Black church in Fort Scott and celebrating its enduring legacy. The Park features four 72" x 27" interpretive display panels and a 4' x 3' welcome sign, all installed on a 12' x 20' concrete slab beneath a 12' x 20' pergola. The displays highlight key aspects of the church’s history, including a timeline of significant events, recognition of its pastors, and the congregation’s lasting impact on the community. The interpretive panels also explore Wayman Chapel’s connections to influential figures and events such as Gordon Parks, The Learning Tree, Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Carrie Hughes, and Professor E.J. Hawkins. Together, the exhibits honor the church’s role in shaping community life, fostering faith, education, and leadership, while QR codes on each sign provide visitors with access to expanded digital content for deeper engagement and learning.

This year, AASLH confers 42 national awards honoring people, projects, exhibits, and publications. The winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history.

The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards not only honor

significant achievement in the field of state and local history, but also bring public recognition of the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions, and programs to make contributions in this arena. For more information about the Leadership in History Awards, contact AASLH at 615-320-3203 or go to www.aaslh.org.

The Gordon Parks Museum established in 2004, located at Fort Scott Community College in his hometown of Fort Scott, Kansas, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the remarkable life and work of Gordon Parks, the internationally renowned photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician. The museum also uses his inspiring life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives. Gordon Parks attended the first Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, which was created in his honor. The museum’s valuable collection includes many of his iconic photographs, personal artifacts, awards, medals, honorary degrees, and replica furnishings from his New York apartment, highlighting his extraordinary achievements and lasting impact on American culture. More than a museum, it inspires visitors through exhibitions, educational programs, special events, and the annual Gordon Parks Celebration. The museum encourages visitors to learn from Parks’ creativity, perseverance, and commitment to making a positive difference through the arts.

The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), a national nonprofit association, provides leadership and resources to help the history community thrive and make the past more meaningful for all people. AASLH serves the tens of thousands of history organizations, professionals, and volunteers around the country who help people of all ages develop critical thinking skills and understand how learning history helps society make progress toward justice.

Through research, advocacy, and our field- leading professional development program, AASLH advances public history practice and connects history practitioners to critical issues in the field and to one another. For more information about AASLH visit www.aaslh.org.