Three Islanders will be honored with the Martha’s Vineyard Medal at the annual meeting of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum on July 27, according to an announcement from the museum.

Grocer Steve Bernier, author Skip Finley and community chronicler Julia Germani are this year’s recipients of the medal, which is awarded annually to recognize Vineyarders for their commitment to preserving the history, arts, and culture of the Island.

Mr. Bernier has owned and operated Cronig’s Market for more than 35 years, during which he has worked to support the environment and the community.

“Despite the financial consequences, Steve has stopped selling cigarettes, styrofoam products, and even certain sizes of bottles and cans because they have extra plastic packaging,” the museum announcement notes.

Museum leaders also cited Mr. Bernier’s partnership with South Mountain Company and Vineyard Power to reduce the environmental footprint of his stores, his discount program for year-round Islanders and his contribution to sponsoring free Tuesday nights at the museum, among hundreds of other community projects.

“Steve and his family are tireless advocates for the Island and its community, touching the life of practically every Islander,” the announcement continues.

Mr. Finley, a former broadcasting executive who now directs marketing for the Vineyard Gazette Media Group, is the author of Historic Tales of Oak Bluffs and the new book Whaling Captains of Color: America’s First Meritocracy, which tells the story of over 50 black mariners who became the captains of whaling ships.

In addition to his books, and writing the Gazette’s Oak Bluffs town column for five years, Mr. Finley served on the museum board for two terms, chaired its marketing committee for many years, and contributes scholarly articles to the Museum Quarterly (formerly the Dukes County Intelligencer). A seasonal Oak Bluffs resident since 1955, Mr. Finley now lives year-round on the Vineyard.

Juliana Germani moved to the Island five years ago and founded a bilingual column in the Martha’s Vineyard Times to serve and honor the large community of Brazilian nationals here, according to the museum announcement.

At he regional high school, Ms. Germani taught a class in Portuguese as a heritage language, and she volunteers with children in the museum’s education department.

“Through it all, Juliana maintained her vision for sharing the historical importance, culture, and traditions of a sub-community on the Vineyard many knew very little about. Her work continues to serve as community preservation for future generations to understand and learn from,” the announcement continues.

Founded in 1923 as the Dukes County Historical Society, the museum established the Martha’s Vineyard Medal in 2009. Past recipients include Rose Styron, Robert Douglas and the staff and management of Chilmark Chocolates.

The annual meeting and medal ceremony are set for July 27 at 5 p.m. via Zoom. Museum members also will be asked to elect new directors to the board and approve changes to the institution’s bylaws.

For registration to participate in the meeting and watch the ceremony, visit www.mvmuseum.org/annualmeeting.