Longtime community leader and historian Dorothy Wallace has been named the 2025 Chatham-Kent Senior of the Year.
Wallace received the honour Thursday during the Aging Well Conference at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre. She was presented with the award by Mayor Darrin Canniff and Councillor Alysson Storey, chair of the Chatham-Kent Celebration of Older Adults Committee.
“Dorothy represents the best of Chatham-Kent’s older adults,” said Canniff. “This award is a thank-you to her, and to all seniors in our community who contribute in so many ways.”
Wallace, a lifelong Chatham resident, is best known for her tireless work preserving and promoting the region’s Black history. As president of the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum, she has led efforts to educate the public about the area’s Black pioneers, guided tours through the museum, and supported local anti-racism initiatives.
Her leadership has helped grow the museum’s collections and programming, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the contributions of Black residents throughout Chatham-Kent’s history.
Wallace is one of 16 older adults honoured this year for outstanding volunteer contributions. More than 1,000 seniors have received the award since its inception in Blenheim 37 years ago.
“These recipients don’t see their age as a limitation – they see it as an asset,” said Storey. “Their experience, energy, and drive to give back is inspiring.”
Storey also extended thanks to members of the 2025 Celebration of Older Adults Committee, as well as Erik Shaw from YourTV, for their efforts in supporting the annual recognition.
Last year’s local honourees, Jarnail and Inder Gahunia, were also recognized provincially as Ontario Seniors of the Year for 2024.
Wallace’s lifelong dedication to heritage, education, and community advocacy has made a lasting impact on Chatham-Kent – and now, she takes her place among the community’s most celebrated volunteers.
