Washingtonian Magazine
Making D.C. History Award for Distinction in Local Media
The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. is proud to announce that the Washingtonian magazine will receive the Making D.C. History Award for Distinction in Local Media at the Making D.C. History Awards on Friday, October 7, 2016.
Over the past four years, the Historical Society has honored sixteen Washingtonians and D.C.-based organizations whose enduring contributions to our community have helped create, define, and keep our city’s heritage. On Friday, October 7, 2016, the Historical Society welcomes five more history makers to the growing list of distinguished honorees, recognized for their contributions to the fabric of life in Washington, D.C.
About Washingtonian Magazine
Two former CIA officers, Laughlin Phillips and Robert J. Myers, launched Washingtonian magazine on September 29, 1965, asking 50 cents for a single issue and $5 for an annual subscription. In form and content the new publication resembled the New Yorker, heavy on type and light on graphic design or advertising. Reaction was positive. The Washington Post said: “The magazine is printed on excellent paper, holds great promise and, if it continues to find guest writers the equal of this month’s Art Buchwald, deserves the success it will doubtless enjoy.”
Today’s Washingtonian, known as “the magazine Washington lives by” is filled with restaurant reviews, personal and professional service guides, and analyses of D.C. and national trends. It was developed and shaped by Jack Limpert, the editor from 1969 to 2009. During his tenure, Washingtonian became a powerhouse in newsstand sales and received many journalism awards, including five National Magazine Awards from the American Society of Magazine Editors. Michael (Mike) Schaffer, appointed editor in 2014, is a native Washingtonian who previously edited the Washington City Paper. He oversees the multi-platform version of the publication, with web-only news, blogs, and searchable databases in addition to the print edition.
Philip and Eleanor Merrill, owners of the Annapolis Capital, purchased Washingtonian in 1979. Philip Merrill served as publisher until his death in 2006. A generous donation by Merrill 2001 resulted in the renaming of University of Maryland’s College of Journalism as the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. His widow Eleanor became chairman and their daughter Cathy Merrill Williams became publisher. Eleanor Merrill died in July 2016. Michael Schaffer will accept the award at the October 2016 event.
Sources: “New Magazine Planned Here for September,” The Washington Post, June 24, 1965, C15. Geoffrey A. Wolff, “Washington’s Own Magazine Likely to Succeed,” The Washington Post, Sept. 29, 1965, B8.https://www.washingtonian.com/about/ ; http://jacklimpert.com/bio/ ; http://jacklimpert.com/2013/07/when-writers-try-to-run-things/; https://www.washingtonian.com/2014/06/09/michael-schaffer-named-editor-of-washingtonian/
About the Making D.C. History Awards
The Making D.C. History Awards is an annual event that supports the mission of the Historical Society and honors it as one of the city’s most important locally focused cultural institutions.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Presented by the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., in the historic
Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square.
Honoree Reception
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Champagne and hors d’oeuvres with complimentary valet parking
Awards Presentation
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Seated dinner and awards ceremony hosted by Wendy Rieger, NBC4 News
Flashback D.C.
9:00 – 11:30 p.m.
Open bar & entertainment
Other honorees includes:
- The Association of Oldest Inhabitants of D.C.
Making D.C. History Award for Distinction in Historic Preservation - McGuire Family
Legacy Families of Washington, D.C. - Meyer Foundation
Making D.C. History Award for Distinction in Local Philanthropy - Mayor Anthony Williams
Making D.C. History Award for Distinction in Civic Leadership
Thank You to Our Partners
[gs_logo]
