2025 Public History Award
The Ohio Academy of History invites nominations for its annual Public History Award. The purpose of this award is to encourage the dissemination of historical scholarship beyond the walls of academia. To be nominated, a public history project, publication, or program must have been accomplished within the previous two years and completed by December 2024. All public history endeavors will be considered, including museum and digital exhibits, museum publications, documentaries, oral history projects, public programs, symposia, archival and historic preservation projects, and lecture series.
The winner must demonstrate original research and creativity in communicating with the intended audience. The project must meet professional standards in its statements, facts, and conclusions.
The application should include a written description of the project no longer than 1,000 (one thousand) words; a one-page vita of the creator or creators; a short description of the audience; promotional materials, if any; online links, if any; and a letter of nomination; individuals may self-nominate.
Applications should be sent on email to the committee chair, Aviva Rothman, Case Western Reserve University,
Deadline extended! The deadline for submissions is December 15, 2024.
Nominated projects, publications, or programs must:
- demonstrate original research that adds to a greater understanding of the past,
- demonstrate creativity in organization and presentation,
- demonstrate originality or uniqueness in design and historical interpretation,
- accomplish a goal of educating or communicating with the intended audience,
- follow commonly accepted rules of evidence and logic in providing proof of statements, facts, and conclusions.
Eligible Projects. Project must be completed in the 2023-2024 calendar year.
- Media such as web pages, web-based video, audio, blogs, documentaries, and films
- Public Programs such as lecture series, walking tours, oral history projects, outreach activity, educational offerings, workshops, etc.
- Written Works such as research, reports, brochures, working papers, etc., or historical fiction (including books), that contribute to larger public history efforts to broaden public history understanding. Please note non-fiction books and articles are not eligible.
- Exhibits in museums, cultural centers, historic sites, and other public venues
Eligible projects will be judged by the following criteria:
- Historical accuracy
- Creativity and originality
- Impact of the project
Submission Process
- Provide a written description of the project, not to exceed 1000 words and should address the above criteria and include intended audience(s)
- Provide visual examples if applicable (i.e. websites, videos, exhibits). Online links should be provided where applicable)
- Provide feedback from the public (if applicable)
- Provide information on participants in the project (i.e. cvs, role in the project)
- Letters of support or outside reviews may also be included
