BUSINESS PEOPLE: Behringer-Crawford Museum honored

Gary Johnston

received the Kentucky Historical Society's 2014 Award of Distinction, and the

Behringer-Crawford Museum

in Covington received a History Award.

The Award of Distinction goes to a volunteer, board member, or member of an organization who has made a significant contribution to state and local history during his or her career. Since joining BCM's board of trustees in 2003, Johnston has had a significant impact on the museum and the communities it serves. During thousands of volunteer hours, he redesigned and upgraded the museum's computer systems, chaired the committee that revamped its organizational structure, and helped secure more than $2.3 million in funding to complete the museum's major expansion which opened in 2007.

He also has used his technical and creative skills to enhance and promote BCM's exhibits and events. Johnston is currently chair of the museum's Capital Improvements Committee (CIC) and raised more than a quarter-million dollars for additional museum improvements. In recognition of his service, in 2007, BCM awarded him its highest honor, the Golden Oar Award for "those who paddle rather than just sit in the boat," and, in 2014, the Extra Mile Award for outstanding presidential leadership.

In addition to his work at BCM, Johnston has held top volunteer positions with the National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL), where he was Great Lakes Division director and chair of the national ARRL historical committee. Professor Johnston, who retired from NKU in 2013, was associate professor of music at Northern Kentucky University. He also sits on the NKU College of Informatics Dean's advisory committee and NKU's IT advisory council, and serves as treasurer of the statewide professional museum group, the Kentucky Museum & Heritage Alliance (KMHA).

BCM's other award winner, "Vietnam: Our Story," was a special exhibit highlighting the experiences of Northern Kentuckians' participation in the Vietnam War. BCM's Curator of Museum Exhibits Tiffany Hoppenjans interviewed dozens of Northern Kentucky Vietnam veterans, their families and community members. The focal points of the exhibit were dramatically presented, illustrated panels featuring excerpts from these oral histories and other Vietnam era stories unique to Northern Kentuckians who served in Vietnam. Accompanying artifacts included military uniforms and medals, photo albums, advanced radio equipment, war propaganda, flags and other personal items as well.