THUNDER BAY — The Ontario Historical Society has recognized the wide-ranging efforts of a city man to support its work over a period of many years.
The OHS recently presented Michel Beaulieu with its highest honour – the Cruikshank Gold Medal.
Beaulieu, a professor of history at Lakehead University, served on the OHS board from 2013 through 2024, including as chair and president.
He currently serves as a member-at-large on several board sub-committees.
"His integrity, dedication, and tireless efforts to expand the reach and influence of the OHS have made lasting impacts on the vitality of this historic organization," the society said in announcing the award.
Among his accomplishments, it highlighted his leadership in transitioning the Ontario History Journal to an online publication, along with then-editor Tory Tronrud, also of Thunder Bay, who received the Cruikshank Gold Medal in 2020.
"Since going online in 2017 in partnership with Érudit, articles from the journal have been downloaded 540,000 times by readers and researchers in Canada and more than 55 other countries. In support of our flagship publication, Michel has helped carry our provincial history to a vast new audience both here in Ontario, and abroad."
OHS also pointed to Beaulieu's multiple examples of volunteerism on behalf of the society, to his mentorship of its staff and new board members, and to his voluntary work with numerous other groups such as the Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society and the Multicultural History Society of Ontario.
"I am truly and deeply honoured," he said when he received the award.
"I think of all those who have been awarded this medal, and it is truly an august group. It is a group that I admire particularly for their love of our province's history, our Society, and their dedication to volunteerism born out of a commitment to community and social responsibility."
