The Folklife Center annually recognizes scholars, educators, practitioners of creative
arts, and others whose work shares, sustains, or embodies Appalachian cultural heritage,
through the B. B. Maurer Award, Traditions Salute Award, and special awards.
Annually honoring a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the preservation and perpetuation of our Appalachian cultural heritage, this award is named for Dr. B. B. Maurer (1920-2003), considered the “Father of Cultural Studies in West Virginia.”
Recipients
- 2017 - Marc Harshman, author, WV Poet Laureate
- 2016 - Marc Harshman, author, WV Poet Laureate
- 2015 - Dr. Ivan M. Tribe, country music historian
- 2013 - Maggie Anderson, poet
- 2012 - Dr. Beth A. Newcome, historic textiles and costume presentation.
- 2011 - Davitt McAteer, author, Monongah: The Tragic Story of the 1907 Monongah Mine Disaster, the worst industrial accident in US history.
- 2010 - Kate Long is a media writer, storyteller, freelance broadcast producer,
- 2009 - Connie Regan-Blake, Storyteller
- 2008 - Phyllis Baxter, museum/historic preservation specialist
- 2007 - The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival
- 2006 - George and Mariwyn McClain Smith, McClain Printing Company, book masters of West Virginia history and cultural heritage
- 2005 - Dr. Ken Sullivan, writer, editor, historian, and humanist Executive Director, West Virginia Humanities Council
- 2004 - Patty Looman, traditional dulcimer musician and educator songwriter, vocalist, a radio commentator, social advocate, youth counselor, researcher, and teacher.
- 2003 - John H. Randolph, folk arts and cultural preservationist, educator,
- 2002 - Jean Ritchie, traditional folk singer and musician
- 2001 - Richard N. (Dick) Schnacke, traditional toy maker
- 1999 - The Honorable Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, United States Senator and artist