LHL AWARDS

Named for the League's co-founders, Rev. Clyde Crews & Allan Steinberg, this award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to Louisville history over many years.

The 2025 Founders Award honoree is James Holmberg.  Jim was on the Filson Historical Society's staff for over 40 years.  He is an expert on the Lewis & Clark Northwest Expedition.  Jim has written several books and is a distinguished authority on Louisville history.

First awarded  in 2013, the League recognizes an author who published a book in the previous year which continues the legacy of Sam Thomas, who wrote  over 20 exceptional books on local history.

The 2025 recipient is Brigid Kaelin for her book  "Lakeside"

This award is named for longtime Courier-Journal reporter Martha Elson (photo above) who, over a period of 40 years, wrote thousands of articles featuring the Louisville area's neighborhoods. 

The 2025 recipient is Shawn Fields Williams. Shawn has been executive director of the Old Louisville Neighborhood since 2015. She is an energetic advocate for this picturesque historic urban neighborhood.  Marta Elson regularly reported on  efforts to improve Old Louisville.

Branden Klayko was a LHL Board member and produced the popular blog 'Broken Sidewalk'. Branden was very passionate about preservation and historical efforts. He helped save numerous buildings such as the Coleman Building at the southeast corner of Jefferson & Third, which is now part of the Marriott Hotel. Branden lost his battle with cancer in 2017.

The 2025 recipient of the Klayko Award is Keith Runyon.    Keith Runyon was on the Editorial staff of the Courier-Journal newspaper. He was a passionate preservationist and advocated for improving Louisville's urban environment. 

The Heritage Award recognizes important history contributions by an individual or group. The 2025 Heritage Award recipients are as follows:

 Sadie Iovenko for Buechel Train Station renovation

Heaven’s Door Spirits for The Last Refuge renovation

Louisville Free Public Library for Parkland Library renovation

Capstone Realty for Benjamin Head House renovation

American Friends of LaFayette 200th Anniversary Celebration

Louisville Metro Housing Authority for Baxter Park Community Center renovation