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his award is named in honor of its two original recipients Brother Blue (a.k.a. Dr. Hugh Morgan Hill) and Ruth Hill. Both have long been recognized and honored as tireless in their promotion of storytelling and storytellers throughout the New England region.
Each year in March at the Sharing the Fire Northeast Storytelling Conference the NEST Board of Directors presents the award to one recipient in recognition of his or her extraordinary commitment and efforts to promote a broader understanding of the art of storytelling and the support of storytellers in the development of their art. It serves, as Brother Blue, has said, “to honor those who give their lives to storytelling to change the world.”
For a candidate to be considered for this award they must have demonstrated their dedication in creating and nurturing a strong storytelling community, be it by individual mentoring, guild or event venues or by fostering a greater public awareness of storytelling and its applications in all areas of society.
Nominations
Any NEST member(s) who meets the above criteria is eligible for nomination, but as this is a regional award, their work must primarily be of benefit to the Northeast region, or completed during their residency in any of the New England states or New York.
Any person may submit a nominee(s) for consideration by submitting a letter of nomination, a detailed essay supporting the candidacy, and three letters of support.
NOTE: Please submit all material requested; since there are many worthy nominations, incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have questions concerning the application process or the nomination materials, please contact NEST Administrator, at nestorytelling@gmail.com
NOTE: Nominations not selected in the current year will be held on file for three years, to be re-considered in subsequent years. Otherwise, previously submitted nominations may be re-submitted.
Past Honorees of the Brother Blue Ruth Hill Award
2022 - Nicolette Nordin Heavey
2021 - Bruce Marcus
2020 - Hope Lewis
2019 - Elisa Pearmain
2018 – Barbara Aliprantis
2017 – Lauretta Phillips
2016 – Judith Black
2015 – Kate Dudding and Joe Doolittle
2014 – Tony Toledo
2013 – Jo Radner
2012 – Laura Packer and Kevin Brooks
2011 – Robert Smyth
2010 – MASSMOUTH – Founders Andrea Lovett, Doria Hughes, Norah Dooley, and Stu Mendelson
2009 – Karen Chace
2008 – Ann Shapiro
2007 – Onawumi Jean Moss
2006 – Glenn Morrow
2005 – Peg O’Sullivan
2004 – Barbara Lipke
2003 – George Radcliffe
2002 – Brother Blue and Ruth Hill