Nominations sought for annual Key to the Locks Award

Nominations are being accepted for the 16th Annual Key to the Locks Award. Forms are available at The History Center, 215 Niagara St., Lockport, or at niagarahistory.org. The deadline for nominations is April 15.

The Key to the Locks Award was established to recognize persons in Niagara County who exemplify the community spirit or promote the heritage or preservation of the historic Erie Canal.

The 2020 Key to the Locks Award was given to Bill and Peggy Mayberry for their work on beautifying the Lockport locks area. Other past award winners include: 2006, Michael W. Tucker and Robin Brock; 2007, David Kinyon; 2008, Jane Whitmore; 2009, Clinton J. Starke; 2010, Becky Burns; 2011, Joseph A. Whalen; 2012, Jeffery Degnan; 2013, Carol Schmelz; 2014, Rosemary Bernard; 2015, Dianne Koplas; 2016, Joel M. Beyer; 2017, David M. Chatt; 2018, Charlene Bower; and 2019, John McKee.

The 16th Annual Key to the Locks Award ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 22. It will be held at the Erie Canal Discovery Center, 24 Church St., Lockport. Call 716-434-7433 for more information.