VALDOSTA — Lowndes County Historical Society recognized several people who have contributed to the preservation and research of Valdosta-Lowndes County history during its recent History 100 Dinner.

The Society awarded six people its Keeper of History Award. This award is given to show recognition to individuals or groups whose activity has enhanced the historical record of Lowndes County.

Keeper of History winners are the Rev. Billy Oliver of Macon, author of “Take a Mulligan, The Old Course,” a book on Valdosta Country Club golf; Jim Nichols of St. Mary’s, series author for the local cultural and historical column in the Valdosta Magazine; James W. Parrish of Tallahassee, Fla., author of “Wiregrass to Appomattox: The Untold Story of the 50th Georgia Infantry Regiment, C.S.A.”; Susan Wells Moore of Tallahassee, author of “1st State Bank and Trust Company: A Century of Service, 1906-2006”; Cathy Wells of Valdosta, author and compiler, “Colonel Raymond Cay: Last Confederate Hero Lowndes County, Georgia 1845-1937”; Barbara “Bobbi” Warren of Valdosta and a Valdosta State University English professor, project directory of the World War II Veterans Voices Project, South Georgia; former Valdosta Mayor James M. Beck of Valdosta for authoring and compiling “Autobiography”; Edward T. Hart of Gainesville, Fla., researcher and author, “Hutchinson v. Valdosta: A Supreme Court Battle Over Water Closets”; E.L. “Boe” Williams, researcher and publisher, Lowndes County Confederate Veteran Pension Applications.

The President’s Award was given to two individuals this year: Dr. Lloyd L. Burns, M.D., of Peachtree City, for his exceptional World War II exhibit participation and personal collection and Mary W. McRee for her superlative volunteer performance as the chairperson for the Lowndes County Historical Society building and grounds committee.

The Harold M. Bennett Award for Historic Preservation was given to Thomas T. and Dixie Lee Haller for their restoration of the Monroe House, 303 Wells St.

The Albert S. Pendleton Jr. Award for outstanding college intern or museum volunteer was given to Ethan Brown, a Valdosta Middle School student, and Dylan Tullos, a history major at Berry College in Mt. Berry.

Other special guests of the evening included: Lisa Paillex Noyes, a Valdostan with Valle d’Aostan ancestors; Gabriele Costa, an Italian studying business at VSU, who delivered the evening’s welcome; Stephen and Rosetta Coyne, members of the Valdosta Italian-American Club, were present to share their recent trip to Valdosta’s namesake, Valle d’Aosta, Italy.

The dinner’s theme was Valle d’Aosta — Valdosta: A Sesquicentennial Preview 1860-2010.” The Valdosta Country Club foyer was decorated with Italian flags.

A quartet of George Mason, Dr. David Boyd, Dr. Harry Hamm, and Jerry Wright entertained guests with a harmonized rendition of the 1960 song “Valdosta.”

Local pianist Roger Worden entertained during the social hour.