The former curator of the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum is Ontario Southwest's Luminary of the Year award winner.
Shannon Prince is the big winner this year.
The award is meant to honour a person who exemplifies passion, dedication, and commitment to the tourism industry.
"Shannon has been an invaluable member of the museum community for the past 25 years, having started her journey as the Curator of the Buxton Museum in January 1999, and has since become the longest Curator to serve at the museum," read a municipal news release Wednesday. "During her tenure, Shannon has been an essential part of the museum's growth and success, earning recognition from local and international communities alike. She has devoted herself not only to this museum but to many others around the area, sharing her knowledge and expertise in numerous ways."
Prince recently retired from her post at the museum. Over the years, she has conducted extensive research on family history, provided educational tours, and served as an educator, significantly impacting the lives of people in and around Chatham-Kent.
"Her work has earned her an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Windsor, and along with her husband Bryan was recently awarded the Order of Canada, a testament to her outstanding achievements and contributions to the field," read the release.
The Southern Ontario Tourism Awards ceremony was held in Sarnia on March 5.
