2012 Essex Heritage Hero Award Dinner

Thank you for celebrating Thomas M. Leonard for his lifelong commitment to the Essex National Heritage Area.

May 9, 2012 at the Peabody Essex Museum

Tom's integrity, passion to serve and enthusiasm for the unique quality of life of Essex County is remarkable.

"The task of a hero is to take people to places even when it is not clear how to get there, or even at times when it is not clear where "there" is. Tom, time and again you have demonstrated the credibility, trust and strong leadership of the... hero that you are." Nancy Hutington Stager, Executive Vice President, Eastern Bank

Mr. Thomas M. Leonard

Proceeds from the event (ticket sales and sponsorship) help sustain the many programs of the Essex National Heritage Commission which support heritage non-profit organizations and municipalities in Essex County, MA.

Thank you to the 2012 Heritage Hero Honorary Committee.

About the Heritage Hero Award

The Essex Heritage Hero Award Dinner is an annual celebration that recognizes the special contributions of individuals or groups across Essex County whose passions embody the mission of Essex Heritage – to protect and preserve the region’s rich historic, cultural and natural resources.

Previous Honorees

2011 Honorees:
Dr. Wayne Burton, President North Shore Community College
Kimberley Driscoll, Mayor of Salem
Mr. Wayne Marquis, Danvers Town Manager

2010 Honorees:
Nicholas Costello, Former Mayor of Amesbury
Byron Matthews, Former Mayor of Newburyport
Maria Miles, Founder of the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce

2009 Honoree:
Thomas P. Costin, of Nahant

2008 Honoree:
Jim McAllister, the locally beloved historian, author, columnist and owner of Derby Square Tours in Salem, MA