2026 Dorrie Kehoe Educator Award Nomination

Nomination Deadline: October 1, 2026

Introduction

The Tsongas Industrial History Center (TIHC) is an educational partnership of UMass Lowell and Lowell National Historical Park. Known as a place where students enjoy “the best field trip ever,” the TIHC uses hands-on activities and Lowell’s resources to help learners explore the history and science of industrialization and its impacts.

The TIHC has established an Educator Award to recognize Dorrie (Bonner) Kehoe, one of the founders of the TIHC and its School Liaison from 1987 to 1998. 

Dorrie was instrumental in setting up the Tsongas Industrial History Center before our official opening in 1991. She visited various sites and museums to observe engaging, multi-disciplinary school programs and, most importantly, met regularly with local educators to learn how TIHC could best meet their needs. Much of what she established at the Center—with the help of other staff and teacher-advisors—is still in place today, 35 years after our opening. 

Dorrie passed away in 2026, but will long be remembered as a friend, mentor, and advisor. We are presenting this award to honor her legacy at the TIHC. 

General Criteria

The nominee is a teacher or administrator in the education field who: 

  1. Supports others engaged in teaching or learning in the field of education. 
  2. Demonstrates the benefits of hands-on, experiential education.
  3. Makes multi-disciplinary connections to benefit life-long student learning.

You may self-nominate or nominate a colleague for this award. 

The award winner will receive a $500 gift sponsored by the UMass Lowell College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences for purchasing educational supplies.   

Nomination deadline: October 1, 2026

Notification: October 16, 2026

Note: This award will be presented at the in-person 35th anniversary celebration of the Tsongas Industrial History Center on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. 

Nomination Form

Submit a 2026 Dorrie Kehoe Educator Award Nomination

Note: If you prefer to receive a fillable PDF nomination form, please email: Ellen_Anstey@uml.edu.