Montpelier- Secretary of State Deb Markowitz recognized Vermont’s oldest nonprofits in a ceremony held Wednesday, September 23, at the Vermont Statehouse. The Vermont Centennial Nonprofit Awards program recognizes nonprofit organizations that have operated in Vermont for at least 100 years.

This year, 29 of Vermont’s oldest nonprofits were presented with a plaque. Governor Jim Douglas was the guest speaker at the event, which was attended by members of the nonprofit community as well as several Vermont dignitaries. Congratulatory letters from Vermont’s congressional delegation were shared with the award recipients.

Markowitz said, “It is important to recognize Vermont’s nonprofits for their longevity. It takes a tremendous amount of dedication and support to keep a nonprofit active for 100 years.” Markowitz said, “It is our hope that this program will enhance our understanding of the many ways in which Vermont’s nonprofits have enriched our community life during the last hundred years.”

According to the Secretary of State’s office, any nonprofit that has been in operation in Vermont for 100 years or more can participate in this program by filling out an application. “Due to the popularity of the event, we had a backlog of applicants,” said Markowitz. “However, by next year all the applicants will have received an award.”

Local recipients include: Champion Fire Company, of South Londonderry, 1909­; Dover Center Cemetery Improvement Association­, 1909; Bennington Park Lawn Cemetery,­ 1908; Manchester Historical Society,­ 1898; Moore Free Library Association, Newfane­, 1898; and the Mark Skinner Library, Manchester­, 1897.

For a complete list visit www.sec.state.vt.us/centennial_nonprofit_2009_winners.html.