Indiana Historical Society recognizes local organization for outstanding community service, programming, and professional practices.
The Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society has received the Indiana Historical Society’s Outstanding Historical Organization Award, recognizing its achievements in preserving local history, providing educational programming, and serving the community.
The statewide award honors a local or county historical society, organization, or historic site demonstrating remarkable service and programs for its community, along with excellent application of professional standards and best practices.
The recognition comes during the Society’s 50th anniversary year and follows a period of significant growth and renewal. The organization has strengthened its board and governance, expanded fundraising, adopted collections management policies, and appointed its first Executive Director to provide consistent leadership and coordination.
Among its most visible achievements was the September 2025 opening of the History Center of Whiting-Robertsdale at 1606 119th Street. The museum provides a permanent public home for local history collections and a welcoming place for residents, students, researchers, and visitors to explore the community’s past through changing exhibits and programs.
“This award recognizes what can happen when people come together around a shared commitment to their community and its history,” said John Hmurovic, the Society’s President. “We’ve accomplished a great deal in a relatively short time, and we’re proud that our efforts have been recognized at the state level.”
Recent accomplishments include raising more than $10,000 to digitize approximately 125 years of local newspapers for online access; securing $5,000 for archival preservation of historic photographs; publishing hundreds of local history articles; recording oral histories; and expanding educational programming, including monthly History Lovers’ meetings.
The Society has also built partnerships with local government, schools, and community organizations. Looking ahead, it is developing a Local History Reading & Research Room to provide greater public access to historical documents, photographs, newspapers, and other materials.
“We are proud of how far we’ve come, but we have much more to do,” said Ron Tabaczynski, Executive Director. “We hope this recognition encourages more people to visit the History Center, participate in our programs, and help preserve the stories that make Whiting and Robertsdale unique.”
The community is invited to celebrate the award at a presentation and reception on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the History Center of Whiting-Robertsdale, 1606 119th Street, Whiting, Indiana. Members, volunteers, supporters, and residents are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.
