A West Grey based history magazine just won an Ontario Museum Association Award.
The Marathon of History was created by Durham's Mat Johnson back in 2022, and after just 10 issues, its won an OMA award for Excellence in Publications.
Johnson said the original inspiration to create the magazine was to pass on information he collected in his line of work.
"I build museum exhibits and displays so those take a lot of research and a lot of background information," he said. "a couple years ago I had just done a few and I got thinking, 'this research is all kind of going to waste, I'd really like to share it with somebody.' So that's sort of how it all came about, a reason to share local history."
Johnson collects stories from museums and contributors interested in history from around the region and shares them in the quarterly publication. For example, the most recent Fall edition shared spooky and paranormal artifacts from the Meaford Museum.
Johnson said its a little different than most history publications.
"I do think it's unique in that the magazine that I produce is for everybody," he said. "You don't have to be a PhD in history to read the articles, like we try to write it so they're fun to read. This magazine is for somebody that is sort of interested in history and doesn't want to spend 45 minutes reading an article but still wants to know what's going on locally. So there's nothing really like it around that I know of."
Along with telling stories important to Midwestern Ontario, the publication allows Johnson to highlight hidden gems.
"I like all museums, but I'm really a fan of the really small, municipal-sized museums that maybe don't get as much exposure," said Johnson. "Those museums are really great to have in the magazine, because I hope people go 'Oh, I didn't realize there was a museum in Flesherton,' and then they go visit it."
The work highlighting local history resulted in Johnson and Marathon of History, collecting the OMA award in an online ceremony on Friday.
He said he can't make the publication alone, and thanked all those who contribute.
"Definitely have to thank my wife Lauren, she edits it and she puts up with my constant talking about history 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Johnson. "Just all the museums that have been there from the start Bruce County Museum, Grey Roots, Huron County, there's just so many that I have to thank and I couldn't possibly think of them off the top of my head."
For those that want to check out the magazine, copies can be found at most local museum gift shops. You can also find all the issues online at marathonofhistory.ca.
Those interested in contributing to the magazine can also contact Johnson there.