The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Terry Helbig as the recipient of the 2026 Peggy Jamison Heritage Preservation Award, an honor recognizing exceptional dedication to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Garrett County. The award was presented at the Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Brodak’s Banquet Hall in Oakland.
Now in its third year, the Peggy Jamison Heritage Preservation Award is given to an individual, business, non-profit, or organization that has made a long-term and meaningful impact on heritage preservation through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Terry Helbig exemplifies these qualities through decades of service, volunteerism, and unwavering dedication to preserving Garrett County’s history.
A lifelong resident of Garrett County, Helbig has been a respected member of the business community for more than 50 years while also serving as a passionate steward of local heritage. His most notable involvement has been with the Oakland B&O Museum, housed in the historic 1884 railroad station. The original vision and leadership behind the acquisition and restoration of the station came from former Mayor Asa McCain, along with the Town of Oakland, and a committed group of partners who secured funding and brought the project to life.
Following the station’s restoration and opening to the public, Helbig became deeply involved alongside fellow committee members, helping to coordinate volunteers, organize programming, and enhance the visitor experience. As time has passed and many of the original committee members have stepped back, Helbig has remained a constant presence. Today, he serves as the driving force behind the museum’s day-to-day operations, welcoming visitors, maintaining the facility, and continuing to expand its offerings. Through his sustained leadership and hands-on commitment, the museum has grown into a cornerstone of heritage tourism in Garrett County, welcoming thousands of visitors each year and preserving the stories of the region’s transportation history and cultural identity.
Beyond his work with the museum, Helbig’s commitment to community runs deep. He has served for decades with the Oakland-Mountain Lake Park Lions Club, including as a past president and recipient of its highest honor, and has contributed to numerous initiatives that enhance quality of life across Southern Garrett County. His involvement in local organizations, including the Garrett County Historical Society, reflects a lifelong dedication to ensuring that the stories, landmarks, and traditions of the region are preserved for future generations. Helbig’s impact also extends into recreational heritage. A passionate advocate for baseball, he has devoted years to supporting youth and community programs, including coaching Southern High School baseball and playing a key role in the growth of Pen-Mar Baseball. His leadership helped create opportunities for continued recreational play, strengthening a tradition that remains an important part of the county’s cultural fabric.
Those who know Helbig often point to his humility and tireless work ethic. His nomination highlighted not only his accomplishments, but also the lasting influence of his leadership and vision. The continued success and visibility of the Oakland B&O Museum stand as a testament to his dedication and the many years he has invested in its growth and operation.
The Peggy Jamison Heritage Preservation Award honors the legacy of Peggy Jamison, a dedicated preservationist and advocate for the cultural and natural heritage of Garrett County. Helbig’s lifelong efforts to protect, promote, and celebrate the county’s history make him a most deserving recipient of this year’s award.
“Terry Helbig represents the very best of what this award was created to recognize,” said Nick Sharps, President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “His long-standing commitment to preserving our county’s history, combined with his willingness to show up day after day to keep that history alive for others, is truly remarkable. Terry’s impact is not just in what he has helped preserve, but in how he has made it accessible and meaningful for our community and visitors alike.”
The Peggy Jamison Heritage Preservation Award recognizes a corporation, business, non-profit, or individual that has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to preserving Garrett County’s heritage. Examples of such commitment include restoring historic sites, developing heritage exhibits, leading educational initiatives, or creating projects that provide meaningful learning experiences for residents and visitors alike. Past recipients of the award include Peggy Jamison and Patty Manown Mash.
The 2026 Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner is supported by the generosity of many Chamber members. The event’s Platinum sponsors are First United Bank & Trust; Deep Creek Marina; and Garrett Regional Medical Center, a proud partner of WVU Medicine.
Gold sponsors include: First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union; The Garrett County Republican; Morin Aviation; NextEra Advisors; Silver Tree Marine; and Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales.
Silver Sponsors: Byco Enterprises, Inc.; Railey Realty and Railey Vacations.
Bronze Sponsors: CINTAS; Clear Mountain Bank; Deep Creek Spa & Billiards; Geppert, McMullen, Paye & Getty; The Rodeheaver Group, P.C.; Today Media Custom Communications; and USI Insurance Services.
Photo caption from left to right: Lisa Ratliff, Peggy Jamison, Terry Helbig, Cherie Krug, Amber Sanders, Kathy Beachler, Burke Friend, Brenda McDonnell, and Mayor Spencer Schlosnagle | Dave Bruffy, Smoke N Mirrors Photography
