The Lawrence History Center, founded as the Immigrant City Archives in 1978 by German immigrant Eartha Dengler, has sought from its very first days to make accessible the rich history of Lawrence and its people.
LHC began giving the Eartha Dengler History Award back in 1998 to spotlight the efforts of and accomplishments of outstanding leaders whose talents bring development, opportunity, and that have enriched Lawrence in tangible ways.
The Lawrence History Center Board of Directors will announce the 2026 honoree(s) in early 2026. Stay tuned!
Previous Dengler History Award Honorees:
- 2025: "Auntie" Joan Kulash
- 2024: The Silverio Family
- 2023: Kathleen Flynn, Robert Forrant, Thomas Walsh, Pamela Yameen
- 2022: Yadira Betances Muldoon
- 2020-2021: Armand M. Hyatt
- 2019: Marc Laplante
- 2018: Greater Lawrence Young Professionals Network
- 2017: Jim Beauchesne, Joseph G. Bella, Linda & Jurg Siegenthaler
- 2016: Martha Lopez-Velez
- 2015: Lou Bernieri and Rich Gorham
- 2014: Benny and Mory Espaillat
- 2013: David Meehan and Jonas Stundzia
- 2012: Richard Purinton
- 2011: The Paley Family
- 2010: Kay Berthold Frishman
- 2009: Juan C. Yepez and Luis E. Yepez
- 2008: 30th Anniversary of ICA/LHC
Jessica Andors, Laurie Bottiger, Ralph Carrero, Sabrina Dorsainvil, Terri Kelley, Misael Martinez, Michael P. Miller, Gary Sidell, Manuela Su, and Larry Yameen - 2007: Bill Traynor
- 2006: Margot Bixby
- 2005: Leslie Costello and Helen Tory
- 2004: Tom Caffrey
- 2003: Dave Burke
- 2001: Sheila Balboni and Patricia Karl
- 2000: Chet Sidell
- 1999: Eartha Dengler, Arthur Khoury, Phil Laverriere