The Gordon Olson Award recognizes individuals whose work embodies the Kutsche Office’s mission of “using history to give voice to diverse communities.” We celebrate those who help facilitate our understanding of the past and those who are documenting history as it happens in the present. Nominations are open to anyone, from historians, librarians, and genealogists, to journalists, artists, and community organizers. Winners receive a monetary award, plaque, recognition at our Annual Local History Roundtable, and GVSU media coverage for their work.

Nominations will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 16th, 2026. If you would like to submit a nomination, please click here to access the nomination form.

Please reach out with any questions at [email protected]!

The Gordon Olson Award recognizes individuals whose work embodies the Kutsche Office’s mission of “using history to give voice to diverse communities.” We celebrate those who help facilitate our understanding of the past and those who are documenting history as it happens in the present. Nominations are open to anyone, from historians, librarians, and genealogists, to journalists, artists, and community organizers. Winners receive a monetary award, plaque, recognition at our Annual Local History Roundtable, and GVSU media coverage for their work.

Ron Yob, Chairman of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, has been a leader in preserving and promoting local Anishinaabe history for decades. He has shared this history through many mediums, working on museum exhibits, historical markers, lectures, tours, and heritage focused events such as the annual Homecoming of the Three Fires Pow Wow. Of particular note have been his efforts to create more awareness of the 19th century treaties signed between the United States government and Indigenous nations. Yob is also a culture keeper who has contributed to the preservation of the Grand River Burial Mounds. He continues to take students and community members to these sites, where Indigenous ancestors are buried, to honor their deep historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. For thirty-one years, Yob worked as a teacher in the Grand Rapids Public schools, where he also served as the Director of the Native American Education Program.

Established in 2014, the Gordon Olson Award is given once each year. Named in honor of Gordon Olson, former Grand Rapids City Historian and inaugural President of the Kutsche Office of Local History's Advisory Council, Olson's books, leadership, programming, mentorship, and advocacy have inspired generations of West Michigan residents. Past winners include:

• 2024: Sophia Ward Brewer
• 2023: Melissa Fox & Marjorie Viveen
• 2022: Christine Byron & Tom Wilson
• 2021: Lisa Plank
• 2020: Connie Navarro
• 2019: Kim Rush
• 2018: JoEllyn Clarey
• 2017: Wally Ewing & Margaret Tracy-Finkelstein
• 2016: Carl Bajema
• 2015: H. Sook Wilkinson
• 2014: Gordon Olson