Awards of Excellence Program

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 March of each year. The awards will be presented at a special event honoring the award winners on the first Tuesday in June.

Teaching Excellence—for outstanding or innovative teaching of East Tennessee history, family history, or genealogy at any level, from grammar school through adult education.

History in the Media—in recognition of excellence in the promotion, preservation, or interpretation of history by an individual or organization related through writing, production, performance, websites, social media campaigns, other.

Project Excellence—in recognition of a special project, such as a book or other publication; building preservation; or special programming (conference, heritage event, lecture series, other) produced by an individual or organization.

Community History Leadership—in recognition of excellence in community leadership, specifically in promoting the preservation, promotion, and/or interpretation of local East Tennessee history.

Lifetime Achievement—in recognition of an individual who, over the course of a lifetime, has made outstanding contributions to the preservation, promotion, or interpretation of East Tennessee history.

Nomination Guidelines

  1. Complete and return the nomination form by designated date (Download the 2023 Nominations Form)
  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 please include these additional materials:
         -  Copies of press releases, publicity, brochures, and photos
         -  Other pertinent materials pertaining to the project or person
         -  Two letters of support describing the response or impact of the project or person on
             local or regional history
  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.

Previous Awards Programs

  • June 6, 2023 - 4:30pm to 7:00pm

    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,...

  • hosted by the East Tennessee Historical Society
    November 11, 2021 - 1:30pm

    This award periodically honors an East Tennessee history maker who is an ambassador for the region and represents integrity, dignity, leadership, and the volunteer spirit. It's given to an East Tennessean with either a recent accomplishment or a compilation of accomplishments in fields such as history, politics, entertainment, education,...