PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts History Alliance has awarded Ann- Marie Harris, a longtime staffer in the Berkshire Athenaeum's Local History Department, with its STAR Award.

 

The Mass History Alliance, which recognizes excellence in local and public history in Massachusetts, designates the award to specifically honor a "long-term commitment, outstanding work with concrete results, exemplary innovation, local leadership for change, and contributions to equity and justice," according to a press release.

 

Harris, who has been a full-time staff member since 2003, received the award at the organization's conference held in June.

 

During her tenure, Harris has become a partner of the Berkshire Family History Association, including welcoming  volunteers and over 80,000 rolls of microfilm during the library's integration of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) archives.

 

Library Director Alex Reczkowski said the award was a fitting recognition for Harris' comprehensive service.

 

"Ann-Marie's expertise is far-reaching. She has long been an expert on digital microfilm machines, even serving as an early tester for ScanPro, an industry leader," said Reczkowski, of Harris, who's also a lifelong resident of Pittsfield. "Her passion for sharing what she knows has shown in her coordination of annual third grade classroom visits to the library and previous service on the district board of the Boy Scouts of America. Her service continues as a current member of the Pittsfield Historical Commission. The Athenaeum is proud to have their 'STAR' recognized."