Awards Program Guidelines

Scholarly:  For an original scholarly work of one or more volumes that adds to the knowledge of state and local history. Normally such work would show evidence of original research and interpretation and would include at least one of the following: bibliography, footnotes, and index.

Other Publications:  Single works by one or more authors that compile, preserve, and/or interpret state or local history, thereby increasing community awareness. These works may or may not be commissioned or sponsored by an organization.

Book of the Year:  Honors the best book published within the past year dealing with some aspect of Illinois History. Criteria includes scope, scholarship, effectiveness of writing, and relevancy of subject.

Ongoing/Periodical: Newsletter, journals, and other publications issued on a continuing basis.

Meritorious Periodicals Award. Honors the finest periodical literature created by Illinois historical societies and museums, including but not limited to newsletters, magazines, and journals. Criteria includes scope of work, quality of data, effectiveness of presentation, user accessibility, and relevancy of subject

Special Projects: Newly created or revised informational brochures, pamphlets or booklets, development programs, posters, calendars, annual reports, etc.

Best Website. Honors the finest websites treating themes in Illinois history. Works evaluated for scope, quality of data, effectiveness of presentation, user accessibility, and relevancy of subject. Nominators are required to submit both the website URL and photocopies of sample web pages, but supporting documentation—letters, reviews, and ancillary material as necessary.

Projects dealing with conservation, restoration, and/or preservation of two- and three-dimensional historic, scientific, or art objects in an organization’s collections. Supporting evidence and documentation must describe planning, rationale, budget, and evaluation procedures.

Multimedia Production: Creation and presentation of productions, whether privately or institutionally sponsored, that promote knowledge and appreciation of our heritage. Such productions might include videos, CD-ROMs, or slide presentations. To be eligible, the materials created must be on deposit in an institution that makes them available to the public.

Exhibitions: Development, fabrication, and implementation of permanent, temporary, or traveling exhibits organized by the nominee. Supporting evidence and documentation must describe planning rationale, budget, and evaluation procedures.

Education Programs: Formal and informal instructional programs with goals and objectives related to the nominees mission statement and programs. Textbooks and instructional materials that are available to the public are also eligible. Supporting evidence and documentation must describe planning, rationale, budget, and evaluation procedures.

For initiation and completion of a specific project that increases awareness of state and local history. Nominations should include appropriate documentation, such as videotapes, photographs, brochures, catalogs, and reviews. Generally, a special project is a one-time project developed and implemented to achieve a specific purpose.

This award is given to an individual for sustained and varied contributions to state and local history. Nominations must include appropriate documentation of the individual’s service at the state or local level.