Contact: Kathy Gourley, 515-281-6913  or  Sarah Oltrogge, 515-281-4011

DES MOINES, Iowa- Great things are happening in Iowa history and the State Historical Society of Iowa is looking to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the study and practice of Iowa history.

Nominations for the Loren Horton Community History Award, the Petersen/Harlan Award and the Benjamin F. Shambaugh Award have a postmark deadline of Feb. 1.

The Loren Horton Community History Award recognizes the best project that increases awareness and participation in Iowa history on a local level. The 2002 award recognizes an individual, group or organization whose outstanding local history project was completed during calendar year 2001. One Loren Horton Community History Award is given annually. In addition to the overall award, one Certificate of Recognition is presented in each of five categories: Outstanding program or event, outstanding use of volunteers, outstanding project related to a museum, library, archives, historical preservation or education activity, outstanding research or publication and outstanding youth project.

The Petersen/Harlan Award recognizes an individual, group or organization that has made significant long-term or continuing contributions to Iowa history. Nominees shall have contributed a body of work advancing the preservation and interpretation of Iowa history. Each body of work will be evaluated for significance, professionalism and influence on Iowans' perceptions of themselves.

The Benjamin F. Shambaugh Award recognizes the most significant book on Iowa history published during the preceding year. Each nominated book is judged on its contribution to knowledge about Iowa history; scholarship; readability and appropriateness for the intended audience. One Shambaugh Award is given each year, as well as two Certificates of Recognition.

All award recipients will be recognized at award ceremonies this spring. The Benjamin F. Shambaugh Award will be presented at the annual Iowa History Forum April 6 at the State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines. The Loren Horton Community History Award and the Petersen/Harlan Award will be presented at "Celebrating Community History" on May 13.

Committees appointed by the chair of the State Historical Society's Board of Trustees will review the submissions. The committees select the finalists, and the Board of Trustees will name the winners.

For more information on criteria and submitting nominations for the Loren Horton Community History Award or the Petersen/Harlan Award, contact Kathy Gourley at 515-281-6913; Kathy.Gourley@iowa.gov. For more information on the Benjamin F. Shambaugh Award, contact Marvin Bergman at 319-335-3931; mbergman@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu.

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