AIMHS Awards Program Guidelines

INTRODUCTION

Through its annual awards program, the Illinois State Historical Society recognizes and encourages the efforts of individuals, groups, or organizations that collect, preserve, and disseminate state, local, regional, ethnic, or specialized history. Awards may be given in any or all of the eight categories in a given year and, at the discretion of the Awards Committee, more than one award may be given per category. Likewise, if no qualified project has been nominated, the committee may decide not to give an award. The Award Committee reserves the right to move a nomination into another category if the supporting materials so warrant. All decisions of the committee are final.

ELIGIBILITY

Any individual, group, or organization that has furthered the collection, preservation, and/or interpretation of an aspect of Illinois history is eligible to he nominated for an Illinois State Historical Society award.

NOMINATIONS

A.  Nominations may be made by any individual or group. Individuals may be nominated for only one award category each year.
B.  The accomplishment for which an award is given will generally have been completed during the preceding year (from January 1 to December 31, 2003).

JUDGING

AWARD LEVELS

A.  Award of Superior Achievement: Recognition of superior achievement that serves as a model for the profession and reaches a greater public.
B.   Certificate of Excellence: Recognition of work of exemplary quality showing considerable creativity, serious scholarship, and/or an efficient utilization of resources.

CATEGORIES

1. PUBLICATIONS

a.   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.
b.   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.
c. Book of the Year. Honors the best book published within the past year dealing with some aspect of Illinois history. Criteria include scope, scholarship, effectiveness of writing, and relevancy of subject.

2.   NON-BOOK MATERIALS

a.   Ongoing/Periodical: Newsletter, journals, and other publications issued on a continuing basis.
b.   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 include scope of work, quality of data, effectiveness of presentation, user accessibility, and relevancy of subject.
c.   Special Projects: Newly created or revised informational brochures, pamphlets or booklets, development programs, posters, calendars, annual reports, etc.
d.   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, and supporting documentation—letters, reviews, and ancillary material—as necessary.
3.   COLLECTION/PRESERVATION: 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.

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4. PUBLIC PROGRAMMING

a.   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.
b.   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.
c.   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.

5. SPECIAL PROJECTS

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.

6.   LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

This award is given to an individual foi sustained and varied contributions to state and local history. Nominations must include appropriate documentation of the individual's activity in her or his service at the state or local level

7.   MALKOVICH AWARD FOR A YOUNG MUSEUM PROFESSIONAL

This award is given in recognition of outstanding accomplishment of a full-time museum professional under the age of 30 (as of the deadline date). Criteria for choosing a winner will include, but not be limited to, leadership in the field exemplified by holding office or serving on a committee of a professional organization; presentations at workshops or conferences; publications; contributions to research in an area of expertise; and creativity and vision as it relates to his or her current position. The award includes a stipend to attend the Midwest Museums Conference Annual Meeting.

ISHS & AIMHS AWARDS PROGRAM APPLICATION COVER SHEET

Complete and mail five (5) copies of this form with five (5) copies of your supporting materials to: Russell L. Lewis Chicago Historical Society 1601 North Clark Street Chicago, Illinois 60614 Nominations must be postmarked by January 15, 2004. Please include a $20 entry fee made payable to the Illinois State Historical Society. For additional information, please call 217-525-2781, fax 217-525-2783, or email at ishs@eosinc.com

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