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Alexandria, KY - Journalist, historian and
Alexandria resident Jim Reis is the recipient of the 2010 Kentucky Historical
Society's Lifetime Dedication to Kentucky History Award.
According to Stuart Sanders, community services coordinator at KHS, the award is
presented to an individual who has consistently supported Kentucky history
through writing or local history organizations.
"Jim was nominated for his work and his great
career," said Sanders.
Reis, 59, was a reporter for the Kentucky Post
from 1969 until he retired in 2007 for health reasons. Although he was always
interested in history, he covered a variety of stories at the newspaper. In
1982, he suggested that he write a few history articles and called the series
"Pieces of the Past." It was so well received, he said, that Reis ended up
writing more than 1,100 columns, which were later published in book form.
Despite his dedication to preserving the past,
Reis was surprised to learn he was the recipient of the award.
"I thought it was fantastic to receive a
lifetime achievement award," he said. "I am very proud of my long relationship
with history in Northern Kentucky."
His writing did not just stop at the news
desk. Reis is also a contributor to "The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky,"
"Campbell County, Kentucky - 200 Years," and "Images of America: Alexandria".
Nominated by Jan Mueller, who works in the
local history department of the Kenton Country Public Library, the nominating
form was completed with the help of Jim's brother, Ken.
"He has devoted his life to researching local
history," said Ken Reis, 62 of Grants Lick. "Everything that he writes relating
to history is meticulously researched. He even studies footnotes to makes sure
they are correct."
The love of history runs in the family. The
Reis brothers have also served on the Campbell Country Historical Society, Ken
as president and Jim as vice president, for the past 21 years. They also have
been instrumental in Northern Kentucky Local History Day, a series of workshops
and networking opportunities for historians and genealogists. The event has
taken place annually on the campus of Northern Kentucky University since its
inception in 1994.
According to Ken, Jim Reis is a trusted source for researchers.
"He has to be the single-most quoted source of
anyone regarding Northern Kentucky history," Ken said.
By Deborah Kohl Kremer • November 28, 2010
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