Besleme-Orrell Heritage Award Conferred

Category: Front Page News Front Page News
Published: 27 June 2015 27 June 2015

Ann McMahon, photographer from Silver City, New Mexico, and Andrew Lindlof, geologist from St. Paul, Minnesota, are current recipients of the Besleme-Orrell Heritage Award for 2015 from the Mining History Association (MHA). The portfolio of their work, The Disappearing Mining History Landscape of Grant County, showcases images from five of the major mining districts of Grant County along with samples of rocks and minerals from each of the districts.

Named after MHA members Jim Besleme and Lew Orrell, The Besleme-Orrell Heritage Award, established in 2013, recognizes outstanding achievements from those whose works help contribute to the understanding and appreciation of mining heritage.

Terrence Humble, historian and author from Bayard, New Mexico, sponsored McMahon and Lindlof for the Heritage Award. Humble said McMahon and Lindlof received "hands down" recognition by the MHA. Robert Spude, head of the Award selection committee said "congratulations on your good work, and the recognition. The committee all agreed this was a worthy recipient."

For this award McMahon used her photography skills underground and above ground, making photographs of subterrainian rooms, buildings, mining equipment and mineral formations in mining districts across Grant County. Lindlof researched and identified little-known, almost forgotten mines and unusual mineral deposits throughout the County's diverse mining landscape. By hiking and driving many miles, both McMahon and Lindlof were able to discover and document important historical resources that need to be preserved for generations to come.

McMahon's photography is recognized regionally by the El Paso, Texas Art Association, the Deming, New Mexico Art Association, and the Branigan Cultural Center of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Starting October 2, 2015, the Branigan will feature McMahon's photography in a two month long exhibit. Currently her work is on display at Shevek's Restaurant in Silver City, New Mexico.

Lindlof spent two years in Grant County exploring and researching its mines and mining history. He is a graduate of Northland College and works for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Mining history buffs can reach Terrence Humble at sunshine@zianet.com, Ann McMahon at AnnMac@AnnMcMahon.com or 225-346-0707 and Andrew Lindlof at andrew.lindlof@gmail.com. Shevek's Restaurant is located at 602 Bullard Street in Silver City. They can be reached at 575.534.9168.

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