Manchester, VT – GNAT-TV presented its 2026 GNATTY Award for Community Impact to Shawn Harrington of the Manchester Historical Society during Hats Off to Summer: A Celebration of GNAT-TV on June 3, recognizing his years of dedication to preserving local history, fostering lifelong learning, and strengthening community connections through storytelling.

A storyteller, historian, educator, producer, and community volunteer, Harrington has been a longtime collaborator with GNAT-TV. Through programs including Time Stamp, Manchester Memories, Nothing’s New, and Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning, he has helped bring local history to life, preserve stories that might otherwise be lost, and create opportunities for meaningful community engagement.

The award recognizes individuals whose work strengthens community life and reflects the values of community media. Through his partnership with GNAT-TV and the Manchester Historical Society, Harrington has helped build a lasting resource that connects audiences with the people, places, and stories that shape southern Vermont.

“History isn’t just a collection of dates or old documents; it is the shared thread that weaves our various villages and towns into a single community,” said Harrington. “Our local heritage doesn’t stop at a town line or belong to any one organization. It belongs to all of us, and it’s a privilege to work alongside partners like GNAT-TV to ensure these stories are heard and preserved for the next generation.”

The award was presented during Hats Off to Summer: A Celebration of GNAT-TV, a fundraising event that brought together supporters, community partners, local businesses, musicians, volunteers, and residents for an evening of music, food, and conversation in support of local media.

Guests enjoyed performances by Shermtone and The Bonfire with special guest Maxine Linehan, along with food and refreshments generously provided by local businesses and community partners. The evening reflected the collaborative spirit that makes community media possible and highlighted the many relationships that help sustain local storytelling throughout the region.

“Shawn’s dedication to documenting our community, connecting people through storytelling, and enriching local media has made a lasting impact throughout southern Vermont,” said Tammie Reilly, Executive Director of GNAT-TV. “His curiosity, generosity, and commitment to sharing knowledge embody the spirit of community media, and we were proud to recognize him with this year’s GNATTY Award.”

GNAT-TV also extends special thanks to its underwriters, sponsors, in-kind donors, volunteers, performers, and attendees whose support helped make the evening possible. Their continued investment helps ensure that local government meetings, community events, educational programming, and original storytelling remain accessible throughout the region.

About GNAT-TV:

GNAT-TV is a nonprofit community media organization dedicated to serving the towns of Southern Vermont. We provide residents with the tools and resources to create and share media content that reflects the diverse voices and stories of our local communities. As a leading voice for community media, GNAT-TV helps foster a stronger sense of connection, engagement, and civic responsibility across the region.