Contact the NJ Historical Commission
NJ Historical Commission
P.O. Box 305
Trenton, NJ 08625

Tel: (609) 292-6062
Fax: (609) 633-8168

Email: Feedback@sos.nj.gov
Historical Commission Home > New Jersey Historical Commission Awards

New Jersey Historical Commission Awards

Richard J. Hughes Award
Richard P. McCormick Prize
Alfred E. Driscoll Prize
Mildred Barry Garvin Prize
Awards of Recognition

Guidelines

Richard J. Hughes Award
Given every year, the Richard J. Hughes Award recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement in the field of New Jersey history. It is given to an individual in recognition of a series of contributions in the areas of scholarship, public history, conservation and preservation, and teaching.

Richard P. McCormick Prize
Given every other year (odd years) to the author of an outstanding scholarly book on New Jersey history published during the preceding two years. The award carries a prize of $1,500. In keeping with established scholarly standards, nominated works must be published by a publisher employing a rigorous peer review process. All works must include footnotes and bibliography.
Purpose: To encourage and reward outstanding scholarly research and publication on New Jersey history.
Eligibility: Nominees must have published a peer-reviewed book on New Jersey history within the past two calendar years. Peer review is a process of evaluation conducted by one or more professionals with a similar level of expertise to the author.

Alfred E. Driscoll Dissertation Prize
Given every other year (even years) to the author of an outstanding doctoral dissertation in New Jersey history. The award carries a prize of $1,500.
Purpose: To encourage and reward outstanding scholarly research and publication in New Jersey history.
Eligibility: Eligible dissertations must be completed within the last two calendar years. Individuals may be nominated by others or they may nominate themselves. Unsuccessful applicants may resubmit their dissertations in subsequent years. Dissertations that have already been accepted for publication are eligible, and their presses may apply for publication assistance.

Mildred Barry Garvin Prize
Given every year to an educational professional for outstanding teaching of black American history. The award carries a prize of $1,500.
Purpose: To encourage and reward teaching of black American history in kindergarten through high school or outstanding performance in a related activity such as developing curriculum materials.
Eligibility: Nominees include New Jersey teachers, guidance counselors, or school librarians for outstanding performance (i.e. curriculum development) or teaching of black American history in kindergarten through high school. Self-nomination is permitted, the names of three nominees are required on the form below.

Award of Recognition
Given every year, the New Jersey Historical Commission Awards of Recognition are given to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to New Jersey history in the following categories:

  • For multiple contributions made over time
  • For those who have had a positive impact on the ways in which audiences and/or communities are engaged in history
  • For scholarship, public service, conservation and preservation efforts, special events, and teaching
  • For helping to increase public awareness

Please note that this is not an award for the publication of a single book, or development of a particular exhibition or project.

Nominations:

  • must be submitted on a nomination form
  • must be submitted by a supporter; self-nomination is no longer accepted
  • must include a brief statement of why the award should be given (1-2 pages)
  • must include a brief vitae (3 pages maximum) noting major accomplishments

All nominations will be submitted by the deadlines specified on the NJHC's website (www.history.nj.gov).

The Hughes Award and the Awards of Recognition are evaluated by the New Jersey Historical Commission's Grants and Prizes Committee. The Committee's recommendations are voted on by the Commission's full board.

Nominations for the McCormick, Driscoll and Gavin Prizes and reviewed by an independent panel of evaluators; their recommendations are forwarded to the New Jersey Historical Commission's Grants and Prizes Committee. The Committee's recommendations are voted on by the Commission's full board.

Nomination Form

Please indicate for which award you are submitting a nomination by checking the box below.

Driscoll Prize Instructions: Nominees must submit this form electronically in addition to the dissertation saved on a disk or a thumb drive which will be postmarked by the deadline specified on the website. Please include a copy of the nomination form with the mailed disk or thumb drive to:

New Jersey Historical Commission Driscoll Prize
(United States Postal Service)
PO Box 305
Trenton, NJ 08625
(Courier Service)
33 West State Street
08608-1001

 Richard J. Hughes Award
 Richard P. McCormick Prize
 Alfred E. Driscoll Prize
 Mildred Barry Garvin Prize
 Awards of Recognition

Nominee
First Name *
Last Name *
Title (if applicable)
Professional Affiliation (if applicable)
Street Address *
City *
State *
Zip Code*
Phone *
Email Address *
Nominator
For Hughes and McCormick Prizes, and Award of Recognition.
Not Required for Driscoll Prize.
First Name *
Last Name *
Title (if applicable)
Professional Affiliation (if applicable)
Phone *
Street Address *
City *
State *
Zip Code*
Email Address *
Provide no more than a 500-word description for why the nominee should be considered for the award.
You may include up to a 3 page vitae of the nominee in the space below. For the Garvin Prize, a vitae and lesson plans or curriculum materials are required. 
(Please cut and paste; attachments will not be accepted.)

 

* These fields are mandatory and must be completed.