State History Awards | Historical Society of Michigan

The State History Awards

About the State History Awards

Each year, the Historical Society of Michigan presents State History Awards to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the appreciation and understanding of Michigan history. The awards are presented at the annual Michigan History Conference and recognize the excellence of achievement by an individual or organization in the collection, preservation, and/or promotion of state and local history.

View the 2023 Winners

Want to Nominate Someone For a State History Award?

Anyone, regardless of experience or credentials, can nominate a worthy candidate to be considered for a State History Award. Learn more about the award nomination process below. Nominations for the 2023 State History Awards are now closed.

Explore the Categories and Submit Your Nomination

Award Winners at the 2018 Michigan History Conference in Sturgis

A Category For Everyone

Outstanding achievements deserve statewide recognition. Books, restoration projects, educators and educational programs, professional and volunteer service, institutions, special programs and events - all these categories and more are eligible for the Historical Society of Michigan's prestigious annual State History Awards. Learn about the categories below.

Who can nominate someone?

Anyone can make an award nomination, including individuals who volunteer or are employed by an organization or institution. Self-nominations are also welcomed.

What are the categories?

Lifetime Achievement
- Read a description of the Lifetime Achievement category.
Distinguished Volunteer Service (Individuals only)
- Read a description of the Distinguished Volunteer Service category.
Distinguished Professional Service (Individuals only)
- Read a description of the Distinguished Professional Service category.
Books: University & Commercial Press
- Read a description of the Books: University & Commercial Press category.
Books: Private Printing
- Read a description of the Books: Private Printing category.
Books: Children & Youth
- Read a description of the Books: Children & Youth category.
Communications: Printed Periodicals
- Read a description of the Communications: Printed Periodicals category.
Communications: Websites
- Read a description of the Communications: Websites category.
Education: Educational Programs
- Read a description of the Education: Educational Programs category.
Education: Educator
- Read a description of the Education: Educator category.
Institutions
- Read a description of the Institutions category.
Local Societies
- Read a description of the Local Societies category.
Media
- Read a description of the Media category.
Restoration/Preservation
- Read a description of the Restoration/Preservation category.
Special Programs/Events
- Read a description of the Special Programs/Events category.
Best Article in Michigan History magazine
- There are no nominations for this award; it is decided by the Awards Committee.
Best Article in Chronicle magazine
- There are no nominations for this award; it is decided by the Awards Committee.

How do I know if my nomination won?

Everyone submitting a State History Award nomination is contacted after the Nomination and Awards Committee has made its final decisions.

When does the award get presented?

Awards are presented in the fall at the Historical Society of Michigan's annual Michigan History Conference.

Recent Awardees

Take a look at last year's winners below, and explore the rest of our News section to discover previous years' awardees at our three annual conferences.

The 2022 Winners

Paul Keep presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Lee Roy Barnett at the 2017 MHC

Michigan History Conference Booklet Cover

The Michigan History Conference

Our State History Awards are presented each year at the Michigan History Conference. An annual event that travels throughout the Lower Peninsula visiting new locations each year, the Michigan History Conference celebrates all of Michigan's history in an exciting weekend filled with tours, keynotes, breakout sessions, and more. Don't miss out on all of the fun—join us at the next one!

Michigan History Conference

Questions?

Our awards team is ready to help with any of your comments, questions, and more regarding the State History Awards and its nomination process. Send them an email at awards@hsmichigan.org or call (517) 324-1828 for assistance.