Public Program Award
About the Public Program Award
The Wisconsin Historical Society invites nominations for an award that honors outstanding work in a new Wisconsin public history program. The Public Program Award is presented to a Wisconsin organization that has launched an exceptional public history program during the preceding year.
Nominations are due March 10 of each year.
Shawano Has History Project
Shawano County Historical Society and Shawano County, Shawano, WI
Submission Guidelines
Please consider the following guidelines when preparing your nomination.
To be eligible for consideration:
- The sponsoring organization must be located in Wisconsin
- The nominated program must have taken place in Wisconsin and had the majority of programming occur during the previous calendar year
- The program must deal with a Wisconsin history subject
- The program must be open to the public
Programs requiring membership in an organization to participate are not eligible for consideration.
Examples of eligible programs include history festivals; workshops; seminars; reenactments; historical walking, bus, or bicycle tours; historical readings combined with discussion; and film screenings combined with discussion.
Employees and members of the Board of Curators of the Wisconsin Historical Society are not eligible to receive awards.
Nominees will be evaluated based on demonstrated excellence in the following areas:
- Authenticity and scope of research
- Attention to program management
- Creative ideas and approaches
- Effectiveness of delivery and overall impact of program
- Community involvement
- Connection to Wisconsin history
March 10 of each year (postmarked or delivered)
Nominations must be submitted on the nomination form. Please attach to the nomination form a narrative not to exceed three single-spaced pages describing the following:
- Program Description: activities, research, budget, staff, technique, and connection to Wisconsin history
- Program Achievements: effectiveness of delivery and overall impact of program on target audience
- Program Documentation: brochure, schedule, news clippings, photos, etc. that document the program
Send applications to:
Wisconsin Historical Society
Attention: Public Program Award
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53706
Awards are initially reviewed by a committee of judges appointed by the Society and then approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Curators. The date and presentation of the award will be made at a time and location convenient for the recipient.
Questions about the Public Program Award?
We're here to help you get the information you need. Please reach out.
Janet Seymour
Outreach Director
Last Updated: June 30, 2026
