The WHA announces the Autry Public History Prize given annually to work completed during the previous year that contributes to a broader public reflection and appreciation of the past or serves as a model of professional public history practice in the history of the North American West. The award consists of a $1,000 prize and a certificate to the award recipient. The prize is made possible by the generous support of the Autry National Center.
To be eligible for the award in 2008, the work must have been completed in 2007. Projects by individuals, groups, community organizations, businesses, or other organizations—or work done in support of such projects—may be nominated. These projects include, but are not limited to, the following areas.
 Media, such web pages, web-based video, audio, blogs, documentaries, and films (DVD etc.)
Exhibits in museums, cultural centers, and other public venues
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 that non-fiction books and journal articles are not eligible for this award.
Nominations and supporting materials should specifically address four equally weighted criteria:
(1) the creativity and/or innovativeness of the approach;
(2) the quality of historical research and interpretation resulting from the use of material culture, oral history, or any other appropriate form of documentary evidence;
(3) the social, civic, and/or intellectual impact of the project; and,
(4) the professionalism of the history practitioner(s) involved.
Procedures and Submission Requirements
1. Nominations should be submitted in the form of a written narrative not to exceed 1,000 words and clearly address the four criteria. The project's primary and secondary audience, if applicable, should also be identified in the narrative.
2. Nominations for projects such a s DVD, video, CD, etc. should include copies of the production, submitted with the written narrative and other materials.
3. Nominations should include pertinent supporting documents, such as a copy of the nominee's resume or curriculum vitae if available. If the nominee is an organization or institution, information on its governance, mission, and size should also be provided. Other materials, such as letters of support or formal reviews from newspapers, magazines, or professional journals, are encouraged. Nominations for exhibits, public programs, and most media projects should include examples of feedback from the public; wherever possible and appropriate, nominations for written works also should include such feedback.
Application Deadline: July 31, 2008
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The Autry Public History Prize