Family members, city officials and friends celebrated B. Dolores Thompson, retired city historian, 41 years as the city historian during the Jamestown City Council meeting Monday. Thompson, who was unable to attend, was honored by city officials and members of the Jamestown Historical Marker Committee. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

For 41 years, B. Dolores Thompson’s contributions to recognizing the history of Jamestown can literally be seen throughout the city.

On Monday, the Jamestown City Council, family members and friends honored Thompson’s long tenure as the city’s historian, a position she held from 1978 to 2019. Even though Thompson was unable to attend, she watched the live stream of the council meeting from home as members of the Jamestown Historical Marker Committee spoke about the impact she has made throughout the city as more than 40 historical markers were installed while she was the city’s historian.

“Dolores has made such a large impact on the city, whether the average city resident knows it or not,” said Ashley Senske, city historian.

Senske, who spoke about Thompson’s work recognizing signficant historic moments in the city, also read quotes from other members of the Jamestown Historical Marker Committee about the contributions Thompson has made in the city since the 1970s.

Art Osterdahl, marker committee member, and Greg Rabb, former councilman, also spoke about the work Thompson has done through the years.

“She is really committed to recognizing the history of the city,” Rabb said.