Three Pocatellans have been named as winners of one of Idaho’s most esteemed awards.

Downtown Pocatello President and CEO Stephanie Palagi, Museum of Clean founder Don Aslett, and historic token collector and preservationist Richard Hansen have been announced as winners of Esto Perpetua awards by the Idaho State Historical Society.

The award acknowledges organizations and citizens that care for, educate about and tell the story of Idaho and their communities.

In recognizing Idahoans with the Esto Perpetua award, which has been given out every year for 23 years, the Idaho State Historical Society said in a statement on its website that it seeks to celebrate those who have “preserved and promoted Idaho’s history through professional accomplishments, public service or volunteerism, and philanthropy.”

“I appreciate being appreciated,” Aslett said of his receiving the Esto Perpetua award. “That’s what you want in life, you want to count and matter, and this shows we’re doing something that matters. We get great, great support from the community and I’m grateful for the recognition.”

The other 2022 Esto Perpetua awardees are Bill Scudder of Kingston, the Coeur d’Alene Press newspaper, Dulce Kersting-Lark of Moscow, Ryan Hatfield of Council, TAG’s Barbara Perry-Bauer and Elizabeth Jacox of Boise, Brandi Burns of Island Park, Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls, and Robert “Bob” Hoff of Idaho Falls.

This year’s Esto Perpetua awardees will be honored at the Idaho State Museum, 610 Julia Davis Drive, Boise, on June 6. Tickets to the event are $25 each and can be purchased online at history.idaho.gov/esto or by calling 208-514-2302.

The Idaho State Historical Society has presented more than 180 Esto Perpetua awards to individuals and organizations since the honor was created in 1999 to recognize dedication, commitment and passion for Idaho and its history.