The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) announces that the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh is the recipient of an Award of Merit from the AASLH Leadership in History Awards for the exhibit "The Story of North Carolina."

The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in their 67th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

This year, AASLH conferred 59 national awards honoring people, projects, exhibits, books and organizations. The winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history. Presentation of the awards will be made at a special banquet during the 2012 AASLH annual meeting in Salt Lake City on Friday, Oct. 5. The banquet is supported by a contribution from the History Channel.

The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States.

The AASLH Leadership in History Awards not only honor significant achievement in the field of state and local history, but also bring public recognition of the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions and programs to make contributions in this arena.

"The North Carolina Museum of History is -honored to receive this award for its most important exhibit, 'The Story of North Carolina,'" said museum director Ken Howard. "Years of planning and many long hours of work by the museum staff have gone into creating this permanent and extensive exhibit on the state's -history. To have finally completed this exhibit and then receive this type of recognition is a proud moment in our museum's own history."

For further information about the N.C. Museum of History, call (919) 807-7900 or visit www.ncmuseum ofhistory.org.