On May 21, 2024, the Maine Historical Society honored Joan Benoit Samuelson with its annual Maine History Maker award at L.L.Bean’s corporate headquarters in Freeport, Maine. The award recognizes Mainers shaping the state through innovation, leadership, and commitment to community.
In 1984, Joan Benoit stunned crowds, winning the first-ever Olympic women’s marathon in Los Angeles. She instantly became an international icon: a groundbreaking athlete whose commitment, grit, resilience, and civic leadership continue to inspire young women and audiences throughout the world.
Joan's Maine roots run deep: her family founded and, for nearly a century, ran one of Maine’s leading businesses, A.H. Benoit & Co. From her childhood in Cape Elizabeth to her active work for the Greater Maine community, and educational and environmental causes, Joan is a Mainer first and foremost.
MHS extends deep gratitude to Joan and her family and the nearly 400 guests who participated in MHS’s 2024 celebration. The special evening included cocktails and conversation followed by a lively program featuring a four-part documentary of Joan's inspiring Maine story, touching remarks by guest speakers, and the award presentation.
You can also watch Maine Historical Society's four-part documentary, "Joan Benoit Samuelson: A Maine Story" without speaker remarks. To learn more about Maine History Maker and its current and past awardees, please visit the Maine History Maker site.
Friendly URL: https://www.mainememory.net/mymainestory/mhm2024_joanie
