A resident of the Greater Maple Valley area is being recognized for vast contributions to the region. Dick Peacock has been an example of public service during his 15 years as a member of the Association of King County Historical Organizations (AKCHO) board and nearly 30 years of advocating for the Maple Valley Historical Society.

Today, to recognize Peacock’s years of service, King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn declared June 7th Dick Peacock Day throughout the county.

“I appreciate Dick’s legacy of service preserving the rich history of the Maple Valley area,” said Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn, who represents the Greater Maple Valley area on the Council. “Naming June 7th in his honor is a small gesture of gratitude meant to express how meaningful his dedication and selfless work has been to our region.”

As the fourth generation of the Peacock family to live on the family homestead and a descendant of settlers who moved to the Hobart area in 1888, Dick’s strong personal connection with King County’s unique historic legacy has greatly contributed to his work while serving the Maple Valley Historical Society and the Association of King County Historical Organizations (AKCHO) Board.

“It’s a real honor to receive the Charles Payton Award for Cultural Advocacy and an unexpected honor to be recognized by Councilmember Dunn,” said Dick Peacock. “The Charles Payton Award is very special to me because of all the work he did during his time with 4Culture to put the Maple Valley Historical Society on the right track. There are a lot of people doing great work worthy of this award, so I am tremendously grateful to have been chosen.”

“I’m glad that Dick’s great passion for history and our community are being recognized today,” said Dan Nicholas, past President of the Maple Valley Historical Society. “His many contributions have not only added to our society’s mission to preserve the history of our region but have also made that history accessible for the community to engage and learn from.”

Since joining in 1989, Dick has had a leading role with the Maple Valley Historical Society, serving as both the Vice President and the President of the organization. His work has involved preserving the Historical Society’s collections, collaborations with the city of Maple Valley and King County, and sharing local history with the community, including Tahoma School District students. With Peacocks’ help, each fall third graders are able to tour the Maple Valley Historical Society’s Museums and sixth graders get the chance to engage with historical artifacts in the classroom.

“Dick Peacock’s 15 years of service to the AKCHO Board have been vital in our work to support and promote King County’s heritage community,” said Alice Winship, President of the Association of King County Historical Organizations (AKCHO). “I am grateful that the AKCHO Board, Councilmember Dunn, and King County are recognizing Dick’s great work and dedication to our region’s history.”

King County’s recognition of ‘Dick Peacock Day” work coincides with the presentation of the Charles Payton Award for Cultural Advocacy from the ACKHO to Dick Peacock, an award presented to an individual or an organization that has initiated, developed, or presented a plan which has led to the advancement of funding for heritage projects, protections of heritage resources, or public awareness.