Recognition

Deborah has been  recognized regionally and nationally for her impact in the world of arts and culture.

• President, Board of Trustees, Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums
• City and State, Brooklyn Power 100 Award, 2019
• Best of New York Award, City Tech, 2018 
• Herbert H. Lehman Prize for Distinguished Service in New York History, New York Academy of History, 2018
• Independent Neighborhood Democrats Community Service Award, 2017
• City and State, The Brooklyn Influentials, City and State, 2017
• Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, St Francis College, 2016
• BAX Arts & Artist in Progress Award, 2008
• Joan L. Millman Inspiration Award for outstanding achievements and commitment to community, 2007 

Deborah and her team at Brooklyn Historical Society have been awarded, among others: the James Harvey Robinson Prize from the American Historical Association for Students and Faculty in the Archives and TeachArchives.org; the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards for Teen Innovators at BLDG 92; the American Association of State and Local History, Leadership in History Awards Winner for the Brooklyn Historical Society Young Scholars Program; and the Community Impact Award from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office for BHS’s teen-curated exhibition, A Queer Look at Brooklyn.