Katrina Ringler, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, was presented with a We Kan! award July 1 in a surprise presentation at the Kansas Historical Society in Topeka.
The presentation was made by Marci Penner and Sarah Green of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The Inman-based non-profit has been choosing recipients every year since 1993 to show appreciation for dedicated work in helping preserve and sustain rural culture.
Ringler’s award had the words “For Supporting Preservation” engraved on a round plate made by artist Stacy Barnes of Greensburg. Penner said, “Katrina is responsible for helping innumerable people and organizations take on preservation projects and restore historic structures across the state. The patient and expert way she helps people weed through the complexities of preservation is what makes her a special part of the process.”
With planning help from Patrick Zollner, Kansas Historical Society executive director, around forty people gathered to help surprise Katrina, who thought she was going to a budget meeting.
Ringler was the first to receive a 2024 We Kan! award. To see a list of all previous We Kan! award winners go to kansassampler.org.
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