Marcus P. Smith of The Du Bois Freedom Center Honored for Excellence in Historic Storytelling
Mars Inc. and AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate is proud to announce that Marcus P. Smith, a historian and interpreter at The Du Bois Freedom Center in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, is the 2026 History Tellers Award winner. He will receive $15,000 as well as promotional support for himself and his institution.
The History Tellers Award
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the History Tellers Award, created by Mars and AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate, shines a spotlight on the educators, interpreters, preservationists, guides, and storytellers who keep our nation's history alive.
Through museums, historic sites, community preservation projects, educational programming, culinary tastings, and immersive storytelling, these individuals ensure the stories of America's past remain relevant, engaging, and accessible for future generations.
About Marcus P. Smith
Marcus P. Smith is a historic preservationist, public historian, and Ph.D. candidate in Afro-American Studies and Public History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is a history and interpretive fellow at The Du Bois Freedom Center, whose mission is to educate the public about the life and legacy of civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois and the rich African American heritage of the Berkshires. Smith is also the Executive Director of the Black Grassroots Heritage Preservation Network, a national platform that uplifts Black-led preservation projects. His work centers on preserving and interpreting historically African-American communities and heritage sites through community-driven approaches.
"I'm honored to be receiving the History Tellers Award at this time in our nation's history. America's 250th anniversary isn't just about looking back, it's about understanding how those stories continue to shape who we are today," shared Marcus Smith. "This award shines a spotlight on those of us working every day to keep history alive."
"History is preserved in more than just books and archives. It is kept alive by passionate historians, interpreters, docents and community advocates who research, protect and share the stories that shape our understanding of America." says William Clements, Vice President Sponsorships/Premium Brands/Properties Mars, Inc. "Marcus Smith embodies what it means to be a History Teller and we couldn't be more excited to honor him as our 2026 winner."
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