Martha J. Harvey was the founder of the York Sunbury Historical Society
Each year, the York Sunbury Historical Society (YSHS) seeks nominations from its members for the Martha J Harvey Award of Distinction to be awarded at the annual society Christmas luncheon. The annual award honours outstanding contribution to the field of history in New Brunswick and long and meritorious service to the YSHS.
This year, the award will be presented to C. Mary Young for her research and publication on the History of New Brunswick Botany. 
C. Mary Young’s research on botany in New Brunswick began while she was volunteering at University of New Brunswick, where she uncovered botanical specimens dating back to the 1830’s. Her publication entitled Nature’s Bounty: Four Centuries of Plant Exploration in New Brunswick documents her findings, and helps to demonstrate that “there are many very important lessons to be learned from carefully examining the past and preserving our heritage.” C. Mary was very involved with the creation of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick which is dedicated to conserving critical areas of nature throughout the province. C. Mary Young is a trained biologist whose research and work has been, and continues to be remarkable.
Founded in 1932, the York Sunbury Historical Society collects, preserves and interprets historical data, records and objects relating to the history of the province of New Brunswick, and in particular that of York and Sunbury Counties. Last year, the society presented awards to Melynda Jarratt and Elizabeth Earl.
York Sunbury Historical Society 