NORTH AUGUSTA -- For more than 30 years Jeanne McDaniel has lived in North Augusta and made it her home, embracing its history and capturing it for future generations.

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RYAN WEHMEYER/STAFF

Jeanne McDaniel, the Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce's 2009 Citizen of the Year, is shown with chamber president Brian Tucker after tonight's award presentation.

The Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce named her its 2009 Citizen of the Year recipient at its annual meeting Tuesday night at the North Augusta Community Center.

"I was astounded," McDaniel said as she heard her biography read to the room. "I'm very humbled by this."

McDaniel is a member of the Heritage Council of North Augusta and the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta.

"I do love history, and I like this community," the British native said. "This is a really neat place with a great vision for the future and with the vision for the future it didn't forget the past."

McDaniel said she's always been interested in family history.

"It's the fabric of who we are and it is who we are," she said.

Brian Tucker, the president of the chamber, said the Citizen of the Year recipient is chosen by the past five award winners from nomination letters. Five people nominated McDaniel.

"Jeanne has been a leader in recording and advocating the history of North Augusta," said Brenda Baratto in her nomination letter. "Her generosity of talent has aided so many groups in North Augusta."