We are excited to announce the launch of our new BILL PAYER HISTORY HERO AWARD program. Inspired by our beloved former DIHS Board Member the late Bill Payer, this award pays tribute to HISTORY HEROES in our community, or individuals who “go beyond the call of duty to ensure the success of local history and preservation.” The work can be a significant contribution to the preservation of a site or collection, and can include behind-the-scenes efforts to add to the local history story.
Bill Payer
Bill was a longtime member of the DIHS Board of Directors and a hard-working one at that! Not only did Bill handle all of our organization’s communications, via multiple social media platforms, e-newsletters and press releases, he managed our mailing list and website.
Bill had suggested during his tenure that an award be given by DIHS for the purpose of recognizing individuals who are dedicated to the cause of history preservation and or historical storytelling. At the time, it was simply called – the History Hero Award. Several award recipients were selected. Although no prizes were given, Bill would promote the winner across our social media platforms and write up a short blog post about him or her.
Thanks to Bill’s dedication to this project, and the outpouring of contributions received after his passing, we have renamed the award in his memory. The nomination period for our 2026 Bill Payer History Hero Award will begin in November 2026. Check back to this page for details.
MISSION:
In honor of Bill Payer, the Daniel Island Historical Society has created the Bill Payer History Hero Award with a monetary gift in recognition of the impact made by an individual.
The award will annually recognize a community member whose contributions have advanced the quality, focus, community awareness, and preservation of local history. The work can be a significant contribution to the preservation of a site or collection, and can include behind-the-scenes efforts to add to the local history story.
CRITERIA:
Nominations may be given by members of Bill’s family or members of DIHS, including DIHS directors. DIHS board members are not eligible to receive the award. There is no age requirement. The nominee must be a resident of Charleston or Berkeley County, with major consideration given to projects and residents in the Daniel Island/Cainhoy peninsula geographic area.
THE NOMINATION SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
- Name and contact information for the nominee
- Name and contact information for the person making the nomination
- A description of the nominee’s contribution and how he/she exhibited the qualities outlined in the mission statement.
- Suggestions:
- Researches local history and shares with the community
- Presents historic information in a fresh and interesting way
- Works to preserve areas of local historic importance
- Develops an expertise in a particular aspect of Daniel Island or Cainhoy peninsula history and shares with the community
- Initiates projects to increase interest and understanding of local history
- Photos and other materials are welcome if you would like to include them. Email to dihshistoryhero@gmail.com.
NOMINATIONS DUE BY NOVEMBER 30, 2026!
To nominate:
You can fill out a nomination form online by clicking here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScboB6DhnpV-IvTSqq7B1GlT6Tdrs_eVdCTtdFEuWDh—kGg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=108657275379849187151.
Or, you can print and fill out the form below and email it to us at dihshistoryhero@gmail.com.
You can also mail the completed form to us at Daniel Island Historical Society, 186 Seven Farms Drive, Suite F, #214, Daniel Island SC 29492.
Photos and or other materials can be emailed to us at dihshistoryhero@gmail.com, with the nominee’s name in the subject line.
The monetary award is $500 and will be presented in January 2027. Final decision will be made by Bill’s family and the DIHS Board of Directors.
DONATIONS:
To make a donation to the Bill Payer History Hero Award fund, please visit our Zeffy page at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/e557c56d-b31b-4962-8a02-85fb5a5f8fd6
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 BILL PAYER HISTORY HERO AWARD RECIPIENT:
MaeRe Skinner
PREVIOUS HISTORY HERO AWARDS, under Bill’s direction.
RICHARD PORTER IS OUR FIRST DIHS HISTORY HERO!
A CLEAN SWEEP FOR KIM SERMERSHEIM!
LISA COLLINS IS A HISTORY HERO!