By Janet Wetzel
Enquirer contributor

Plenty of people have questions about the city of Wyoming - the history of certain houses, details of the area's first settlers, or how to find their grandparents' old homestead. Most know where to get the answers: Annie Lou Helmsderfer.

Helmsderfer, 82, a lifelong resident and local historian, founded the Wyoming Historical Society in the early 1980s. She remains a society volunteer and history buff.

, In April, she was given the historical society's Robert Reily Award for extraordinary contributions to the preservation of Wyoming's history. It's been given only once before, 20 years ago, to Henry and Katy Bond.

Helmsderfer said her love of history began to grow in 1984 when she helped with a historic house tour for the city's Centennial celebration. She's worked on all tours since, doing research, selling tickets and making displays.

"I just got hooked on the history, architecture and heritage of this community," she said.

Mary Corley said Helmsderfer's dedication to the city and the historical society is unequaled.

"She's demonstrated tireless devotion to the study of Wyoming's historic architecture and the genealogy of the homeowners," Corley said.

Helmsderfer preaches preservation, and created a brochure of a walking tour of Wyoming's Historic District.

"I love this place. I love the history," Helmsderfer said. "It makes you thankful for the people that came before you."

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Do you know a Hometown Hero - someone in your community dedicated to making it a better place to live and helping others? E-mail Janet Wetzel at jjwetzel@siscom.net or fax to 513-755-4150.