Danvers Town Manager Wayne Marquis, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll and North Shore Community College President Wayne Burton all got to share the honor of being named Heritage Heroes last week.

The Essex National Heritage Commission annually recognizes “special contributions” of individuals  during their careers or groups within Essex County that embody the non-profit organization’s mission to “protect and preserve the region’s rich historic, cultural and natural resources,” according to information from Essex Heritage. This year’s dinner, during which the awards were made, was held at the Danversport Yacht Club.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Essex National Heritage Commission.

The 2010 Heritage Heroes were former Mayors Nicholas Costello of Amesbury and Byron Matthews of Newburyport along with the founder of the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce, Maria Miles.