Cincinnati Museum Center Director Emeritus Receives AASLH’s Most Prestigious Recognition

Archon John E. Fleming, Ph.D., of Sigma Boule, is honored by American Association for State and Local History for lifetime of high standards and accomplishment.

CINCINNATI – In what has become a substantial and distinguished compilation of personal and professional achievements, John Fleming is once again adding to the collection. At its recent annual meeting, the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) honored Fleming with its Award of Distinction.

Part of the Leadership in History Awards, the Award of Distinction “is given infrequently and only in recognition of long and very distinguished individual service. Recipients are noted for their contributions to the field of state and local history and are recognized nationally as leaders in the profession.”

“John has been one this institution’s greatest assets,” said Doug McDonald, president and CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “His contributions, not only to Museum Center, but to African-American History as a whole, are immeasurable and well deserved of this recognition.”

Fleming has been involved in historic events since an undergraduate at Berea College in Kentucky where he led the college contingent that participated in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March. Fleming entered the field of public history in 1980 when he joined the staff of the Ohio Historical Society to lead the planning for the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce. After serving as the founding director of that museum from 1988 to 1998, Fleming became the first museum director and COO for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

He currently serves as the president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and was recently appointed to the National Museum of African American History and Culture Plan for Action Presidential Commission by President George W. Bush.

For more information, visit http://www.aaslh.org/.

October 23, 2008