About

The 21st Annual VMNH Foundation Thomas Jefferson Awards were held on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Museum. 

Dr. William M. Kelso, director of archaeology for the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities Jamestown Rediscovery project, and a past Jefferson Awardee, served as keynote speaker at the event. This year’s ceremony also included an unveiling of a special plaque in the VMNH Library honoring current and past Jefferson Awardees.

The VMNH Foundation Thomas Jefferson Awards honor individuals and corporations for outstanding contributions to natural science and natural science education.

This year’s award recipients include:

Thomas Jefferson Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Natural Science – an individual who has consistently made outstanding contributions to natural history. 
Recipient – Dr. Joseph C. Mitchell of Gainesville, Florida

Thomas Jefferson Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Natural Science Education – a Virginia educator who has consistently made outstanding contributions to natural history, environmental and science education in either the formal or non-formal sectors.
Recipient – Charles K. Jervis of Christiansburg

William Barton Rogers Corporate Award – a corporation that has shown significant support for the natural sciences in Virginia, through contributions to research, science education, or other relevant programs of the museum.
Recipient – Tahoma, Inc. of Martinsville, accepted by Amy Lampe, CEO

William Barton Rogers Individual Award – an individual who has shown significant support for the natural sciences in Virginia, through contributions to research, science education, or other relevant programs of the museum.
Recipient – James C. Firebaugh, Jr. of Richmond

Matthew Fontaine Maury Distinguished Service Award – an individual or corporation that has provided exemplary service in the development of VMNH.
Recipient – Suzi Kirby of Martinsville

Noel T. Boaz Director’s Award – an individual selected by the VMNH Executive Director who has made significant contributions, through volunteer efforts or financial support, to enable the museum to be a more successful institution and to secure its future as a great museum benefiting all citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Recipient – George and Jean Adams of Martinsville

Sponsorship

A range of sponsorship levels are available for businesses and individuals who would like to show their support for this event and take advantage of an opportunity to be part of this highly respected awards program. If you would like to discuss becoming a sponsor for the 2009 Thomas Jefferson Awards, please contact the VMNH Foundation at 276-634-4162 or foundation@vmnh.virginia.gov.

2008 VMNH Foundation Thomas Jefferson Awards sponsored by:

Awards

The William Barton Rogers Corporate Award—a corporation who has shown significant support for the natural sciences in Virginia, through contributions to: Research, science education, or other relevant programs of the Virginia Museum of Natural History

The William Barton Rogers Individual Award—an individual who has shown significant support for the natural sciences in Virginia, through contributions to: Research, science education, or other relevant programs of the Virginia Museum of Natural History

Thomas Jefferson Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Natural Science Education—a Virginia educator who has consistently made outstanding contributions to natural history, environmental and science education in either the formal or non-formal sectors. Preference is given to those whose accomplishments have an obvious connection with natural history.  Nominees exemplify the best educational practices and stand as models worthy of emulation by other educators.

Matthew Fontaine Maury Distinguished Service Award—an individual or corporation that has provided exemplary service in the development of the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

Thomas Jefferson Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Natural Science—an individual who has consistently made outstanding contributions to natural history.  Recipient must be a Native of Virginia, work or have worked in a recognized Virginia Institution or contributed to our understanding in the specific area of Virginia Natural History

Dr. Noel T. Boaz Director's Award – an individual selected by the VMNH Executive Director who has over a period of time made significant contributions, through volunteer efforts or financial support, to enable the Virginia Museum of Natural History to be a more successful institution and to secure its future as a great Museum benefiting all citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Click here for the list of 2007 recipients and presenters