While Charles Blackman's record of civic service is long and distinguished, he is honored with the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award for his dedication to educating his community about the heritage and history of Harrisburg and Saline County. Mr. Blackman has made major strides as President of the Saline County Historical Society, including the transfer of all the Society''s records onto computers, the expansion of "Pioneer Village," the acquisition of additional property, the restoration of a barn and double log cabin, and the placement of two local sites on the National Registry of Historic Sites. He has also instituted new events sponsored by the Historical Society that are free and open to the public. Other volunteer work includes service as a member of The Saline County Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee and member and past Board member for the Saline County Genealogical Society and the State of Illinois Historical Society. As a dance instructor, Mr. Blackman taught Heritage Dancing and clogging, often travelling with troupes that performed around Illinois.
Select Illinois Humanities Council programs are now available for listening or download at Chicago Public Media (WBEZ) as a part of Chicago Amplified, a web-based audio library of diverse public events recorded throughout the Chicago region.
