R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum curator Deborah Chapman has been recognized for her tireless efforts to preserve Salmon Arm's history.
At a May 3, 2025 gala event held in Williams Lake, the B.C. Historical Federation (BCHF) announced Chapman was the recipient of an Award of Recognition.
These awards are given to individuals who have provided "exceptional service for a specific project in the preservation of British Columbia's history."
"As the longtime curator and archivist of R.J. Haney House in Salmon Arm, Deborah has worked tirelessly to digitize and make images accessible from the Salmon Arm Observer, while developing exhibitions and keeping doors open at R.J. Haney House," reads a letter from the BCHF received by city council at it's June 9 meeting.
The letter includes the following statement from the BCHF recognition award committee: "Deborah Chapman has been in her position since 1990. In that time she has worked tirelessly to preserve and share the history of Salmon Arm and to operate and improve R.J. Haney House, a living history site and museum that is a cornerstone of the region's heritage community."
City Coun. David Gonella said the award was well deserved.
"Deborah has worked with RJ Haney and has put together the historical documents and other items in a very comprehensive way, and has basically protected and helped us keep our history of this city for future generations, and she should be commended for her work," commented Gonella.
