WHM Announces Recipients of this Year’s Harvey Ball Smile Award

Tuesday, June 04, 2013

GoLocalWorcester Lifestyle Team

Worcester Historical Museum (WHM) announces that Mary and Warner Fletcher will be recipients of the 2013 Harvey Ball Smile Award. The presentation will be made at The Harvey Ball on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at Mechanics Hall.

WHM presents the “Harvey” Award annually on behalf of the entire community to an individual, organization, or group of individuals whose commitments have made a difference in the city of Worcester… and have helped the community smile. This year’s presentation of the “Harvey” Award at The Harvey Ball will be a celebration that should not be missed. The evening will not only celebrate Mary and Warner Fletcher’s dedication to the community, but will also mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of Harvey Ball’s world-famous Smiley Face.

Ball was of course a native of Worcester, and every year since 1999, the city has been the epicenter of the annual World Smile Day, held in honor of Harvey Ball and his legendary smiley-face. World Smile Day is celebrated the first Friday in October every year. It is held in tandem with the Harvey Ball.

Speaking about this year’s honorees, WHM Executive Director William Wallace said,

“Mary and Warner Fletcher continue a long tradition of great Worcester couples who have been dedicated to the betterment of Worcester. They join a long list of those whose endeavors have generated a longstanding and positive impact on the community. Mary and Warner define philanthropy, which makes them the ideal recipients of the Harvey Ball Smile Award.”

Last year, Worcester City Manager Michael O'Brien won the Harvey Ball Smile Award in recognition of his efforts to revitalize Worcester's urban center through various development projects.

For more information on the Worcester Historical Museum and this event and award in particular please visit www.worcesterhistory.org. For more information on World Smile Day please click here.

About Worcester Historical Museum

Founded in 1875, Worcester Historical Museum is the only organization solely dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Worcester’s unique and diverse history from all time periods and subject areas. The holdings of WHM encompass thousands of documents and artifacts vital to the study of Worcester history. Worcester’s history is interpreted through a calendar of exhibitions, educational programming, tours, and publications. WHM features both permanent installations and changing exhibits.