GSEHD alumnus Ken Turino (master’s in Museum Education) has been awarded the 2026 Bay State Legacy Award by the Massachusetts History Alliance (MHA), the organization’s highest honor recognizing long-term, outstanding contributions to the interpretation and preservation of Massachusetts history.
Turino has built a distinguished career dedicated to advancing public history and strengthening community engagement with the past. Over the years, he has held leadership roles at institutions including the Lynn Museum and Historic New England and has contributed his expertise through board service with organizations such as the House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association, the Essex National Heritage Area, and the Nahant Preservation Trust.
Reflecting on the recognition, Turino emphasized his enduring commitment to inclusive storytelling: “Throughout my career—from my years at the Lynn Museum and Historic New England to my board service with the House of Seven Gables Settlement Association and currently the Essex National Heritage Area and the Nahant Preservation Trust—I have been committed to telling the full, inclusive story of our state’s past.”
The Massachusetts History Alliance supports museums, historical societies, and public historians across the Commonwealth, making the Bay State Legacy Award a significant acknowledgment of sustained impact in the field. Turino noted that the honor reflects not only his own work, but also the importance of collaboration and partnerships in bringing history to life for diverse audiences.
Turino’s recognition highlights the vital role of museum educators and public historians in preserving cultural heritage while ensuring that history is interpreted in ways that are accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for all communities.