Awards of Excellence Nominations

The East Tennessee Historical Society’s Awards of Excellence program annually recognizes individuals and organizations for significant contributions to the preservation, promotion, and interpretation of the region’s history.  Eligible projects include exhibits, lectures, conferences, publications, print and broadcast media, teaching, and lifetime achievement.  Organizations and individuals across the region are invited to make nominations.

Established in 1982, ETHS Awards of Excellence nominations begin in January of each year.  The awards are presented at the ETHS Annual Meeting held in June (usually held in May).

Community History Award (individual or organization) - in recognition of excellence in community leadership, specifically in promoting the preservation of local/regional history and heritage

Award of Distinction (individual or organization) - in recognition of a special project (such as a book or other publication, building preservation, exhibit) or special programming (conference, heritage event, lecture series, other)

History in the Media Award - presented to someone in the field of broadcast, print media, or Internet for outstanding contributions to the promotion of our region’s history.

Teaching Excellence Award - in recognition of outstanding or innovative teaching of history at any level, grades one through adult education.

Ramsey Award for Lifetime Achievement - is the Society’s most prestigious award and is reserved for one, who, over the course of a lifetime, has made outstanding contributions to the understanding and preservation of East Tennessee history.  It is named for ETHS founder and early historian, Dr. J.G.M. Ramsey, author of The Annals of East Tennessee to the End of the Eighteenth Century.

Nomination Guidelines

  1. Complete and return the nomination form by designated date (April 28, 2015).
  2. On a separate piece of paper, give a brief written description (500 words or less), explaining why the individual or organization should be recognized (attendance, community partner, etc.).
  3. With all nominations, include copies of press releases, publicity, brochures, photos, and other material pertaining to the project or person.
  4. Projects completed within the past two years are eligible for nomination.
  5. Please provide an email and mailing address, as well as a phone number, for both the recipient and for the person who nominates the project.
  6. If a publication is nominated, please send a copy of that book.
  7. Organizations should feel free to nominate their own projects.

For more information contact the East Tennessee Historical Society at 865-215-8824.  To view a list of prior winners, visit the Awards of Excellence webpage.