The Cole County Historical Society on Sunday honored longtime downtown business owners Bob and Bobbie Herman with the Hope Award.
"They both have been very active in local and state history, as individuals and as a couple," said Secretary Doris Schmutzler, while presenting the award. "They have always cared about Cole County Historical Society."
Bob Herman was born and raised in Jefferson City and graduated from the University of Missouri. After marrying Roberta, he served two years in the Army. They then moved to Jefferson City, where they have lived for the past 60 years.
Both have served on the society's board. He is a former board president, and she has also served as a docent.
"They were very, very hardworking in their family business at Herman's Department Store on the corner of High and Monroe streets," Schmutzler said.
"They love collecting local history, and if you ask, they are always willing to share their knowledge with their family, their friends and their community," she said. "They have presented numerous programs at the Capitol museum for local groups and organizations."
Schmutzler said the couple has been active in the Friends of the Missouri State Archives, Historic Jefferson City, Cole County Historical Society, River City Collectors Guild, as well as other community and civic organizations.
In accepting the award, Bob Herman said: "I've seen it given many times, but I never expected to receive it. Thank you."
The Catherine and Alex Hope Award has been given annually since 1973 to a resident of Cole County who has made significant contributions during the year in the dissemination, preservation, recording and distilling of interest in the history of Missouri in general, and in Cole County in particular. Those contributions can be through research, writing, recording, photography, genealogy or any other means of personal interest.