The Ontario Historical Society’s Cruikshank Medal honours an individual who has performed with distinction on behalf of the Ontario Historical Society (OHS). This year, the Society is pleased to present this award to Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu of Thunder Bay.
Michel has dedicated his time and expertise to supporting Ontario’s not-for-profit sector for many years. In addition to the OHS, he has volunteered thousands of hours in service of the Champlain Society, Multicultural History Society of Ontario, the Northwestern Ontario Archivists’ Association (NOAA), the Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society, and so many more.
Michel served on the OHS Board of Directors from June 2013 until September 2024. Throughout his eleven-year tenure on the Board, Michel served with distinction as Chair and President of the Ontario Historical Society, Chair and founding member of the Ontario History Journal Committee; a sitting member of the OHS Development Committee; Chair of the OHS Nominations Committee; Chair of the Executive Committee; Chair of the Hiring Committee; and most recently, Chair of the OHS Strategic Planning Committee. Michel has also served as a judge for the OHS Honours and Awards program in a variety of different categories, and continues to serve the Society as a member at large on three of its Board sub-committees.
The Cruikshank Gold Medal for Outstanding Service to the Ontario Historical Society was presented to Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu (right) by OHS Executive Director Daniel Dishaw (left) at the Thunder Bay Museum on February 7, 2025.
In his role as Chair of the Ontario History Journal Committee, Michel’s leadership, dedication, and steadfast diligence have been crucial in the process of transitioning Ontario History into an online publication. Along with then-Editor Dr. Tory Tronrud, Michel has worked to bring Ontario’s foremost history journal to readers on a global scale. In 2015, Ontario History journal was available in print at various Canadian academic institutions and libraries, and to OHS subscribers. Since going online in 2017 in partnership with Érudit, articles from the journal have been downloaded 540,000 times by readers and researchers in Canada, the United States, and more than 55 other countries around the world. In support of our flagship publication, Michel has helped carry our provincial history to a vast new audience both here in Ontario, and abroad.
In addition to his incredible volunteerism and his many achievements on behalf of the OHS, Michel has also been an annual donor and is one of the Society’s Lifetime Members. Michel has always acted in the best interest of the OHS and continues to support staff and new directors as a trusted advisor and mentor. His integrity, dedication, and tireless efforts to expand the reach and influence of the OHS have made lasting impacts on the vitality of this historic organization. His energy and enthusiasm have inspired fellow board members, staff, and volunteers from all across the province.
The Honours and Awards Committee congratulates Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu.
IN ACCEPTING THE AWARD, DR. BEAULIEU RESPONDED:
It is generally a hard thing to do, but this has left me speechless.
I remember when Pam Cain and Rob Leverty first approached me sometime in late 2012 to join the board of the OHS, I was not sure then what I could possibly contribute. I am truly and deeply honoured that others (all of whom I greatly respect) think that I have over the past decade (and then some) been able to leave a mark on an organization that means a lot to me professionally and personally.
I think of all those who have been awarded this medal and it is truly an august group. It is a group that I admire particularly for their love of our province’s history, our Society, and their dedication to volunteerism born out of a commitment to community and social responsibility.
If the committee is really sure, I accept. Although, I hope the Board and the staff of the OHS all realize that this just means they will not be rid of me anytime soon. I wish to convey to everyone within this organization that I consider this to be the greatest possible honour and recognition and, as the saying goes, it warms the cockles of my heart like nothing else.
Founded in 1888, the Ontario Historical Society is a not-for-profit corporation and registered charity dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Ontario’s history for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. To learn more about the OHS’s Honours and Awards Program, or to submit a nomination, please visit https://ontariohistoricalsociety.ca/honours-awards/ or contact the Society’s offices by telephone (416-226-9011) or e-mail (ohs@ontariohistoricalsociety.ca).