Two individuals, two organizations, and one newspaper – the Henrico Citizen – were honored recently by the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC) for their efforts to preserve and promote Henrico County heritage.

In a ceremony held Oct. 26 at the Henrico Theatre, HPAC Chairman Beverly Cocke presented the awards accompanied by Henrico County Manager Virgil Hazelett.

Genealogist and retired educator Brenda Dabney Nichols received the Award of Merit for her lectures and programs regarding Henrico history topics and for her recent publication African Americans of Henrico County.

Published in 2010, the book features a collection of more than 300 images and numerous interviews documenting the history of African American communities in the county, as well as the achievements and pastimes of their members.

Elvatrice Parker Belsches, an archival researcher, lecturer and documentary film maker, took home an award for her scholarship, research and professional guidance associated with an exhibit and program commemorating the 400th anniversary of Henrico County.

The author of Richmond, Virginia, an Arcadia Press publication from the Black America Series, Belsches wrote the script for a dramatic and musical program entitled, "African-American Heritage of Henrico County in Music and Stories." She also researched and authored four panels for the exhibit, "Remembering Our Legacy: African American Trailblazer of Henrico County," and reviewed, edited and annotated all 12 panels in the exhibit.

Members of The Henrico 400th Anniversary Advisory Commission were recognized for their three-year commitment to the research, planning and implementation of projects, publications and events marking the county's founding in 1611. The 15-member Commission organized a year of activities and legacy projects, which have so far drawn more than 30,000 participants.

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors took home its fifth Award of Merit from the annual presentation. The Board was honored for its commitment of resources and staff for the 400th anniversary of the county and for its establishment of the Henrico 2011 Commemoration Advisory Commission.

The Henrico Citizen received an Award of Merit for its continuing commitment to local history and its efforts to document the people, places and events that have shaped Henrico history. To mark Henrico's 400th anniversary – which is also the 10th anniversary year of the Citizen's founding – the Citizen is publishing a special series throughout 2011 illustrating "The Most Significant Moments in Henrico History."

Created in 1990, the HPAC advises the Board of Supervisors regarding identification, interpretation, rehabilitation, protection and preservation of the county's historical and cultural resources and recognizes significant historic preservation projects on an annual basis. The 2011 Awards of Merit recipients join a list of distinguished honorees that includes Dr. Louis Manarin (1994 and 2005), Dr. Robert Bluford, Jr. (2001); Peter and Sharon Francisco (2002); Mr. and Mrs. William D. Cosby, Sr. (2004); Dr. Dennis A.J. Morey (2004); Dr. Henry L. Nelson, Jr. (2004); and Freddie Warren Nicholas, Jr. (2007).