Nominate Indiana History Movers and Shakers

Caleb Mills Indiana History Teacher of the Year is awarded to a teacher (grades 4 through 12) currently teaching American or Indiana history and recognized by his or her colleagues as making a significant contribution to the understanding of these two fields by his or her students. This award is named in honor of Caleb Mills, the father of Indiana’s common schools.

Dorothy Riker Hoosier Historian Award recognizes a historian who has made distinguished contributions to a) the field of historical scholarship on the state of Indiana, including publications, presentations, use of materials, and preservation, or b) the affairs and activities of IHS. Dorothy Riker was a 50-year employee and editor for the Indiana Historical Society and the Indiana Historical Bureau from 1929 to 1979.

Eli Lilly Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has made extraordinary contributions over an extended period of time to a) the field of history and/or b) the affairs of IHS. This award is named after philanthropist Eli Lilly, a lifelong leader of the Indiana Historical Society.

Hubert Hawkins Local History Award is made annually to a local historian for his or her distinguished service and career in local history. Hubert Howard Hawkins was executive secretary of IHS and director of the Indiana Historical Bureau. He was instrumental in increasing membership through visits around the state and with the Indiana Junior Historical Society.

Willard C. Heiss Family History/Genealogy Award is awarded to a family historian for his or her distinguished service and career in Indiana family history, helping genealogists discover connections between themselves and their ancestors through source material, family records, and well-documented stories. Presentation may include articles, books, use of materials, preservation, workshops and lectures, or it may include work in a library or archive, helping the public with questions about genealogy and family history over a long career. Willard C. Heiss was a preeminent authority on Indiana Quaker history and genealogy, and is credited with bringing order to the archives of Indianapolis.

Indiana History Outstanding Event or Project Award recognizes an organization for an exceptional educational event or history project implemented during the past year, either one-time or ongoing, which relates to that organization’s mission. Examples include reenactments, publications, innovative media usage, exceptional teacher training and displays/exhibitions.

Outstanding Collaborative Project Award recognizes an exceptional project by a historical or heritage organization in Indiana with one or more partners implemented during the past year. Projects must be a history-based event or project, either one-time or ongoing. Special consideration will be given to projects that share county or regional history.

Outstanding Historical Organization Award is presented to a local or county historical society, organization, or site in Indiana which has demonstrated remarkable service to and programs for its community, and has demonstrated excellent application of professional standards and best practices. Consideration will also be given to nominations that demonstrate organizational transformation within two years preceding the nomination deadline.

Nominations are due July 1, 2026. All nomination forms and supporting documents must be submitted by July 1, 2026 to be considered. Late nominations will not be accepted.

Nomination forms must be submitted online, and supporting documents must be emailed to localhistoryservices@indianahistory.org.

Entry Guidelines:

• Nominations must pertain to some aspect of Indiana history – state or local.
• A completed nomination form, including the nomination narrative, must accompany each submission.
• All nominations must be submitted with at least two letters of support.
• Articles, brochures, and other supporting documents are encouraged.
• Nominations must be completed online and all supporting documents emailed by July 1, 2026 to be considered.
• Late nominations will not be accepted.

NOMINATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Fill out the online nomination form and click Submit.
   There are four sections to fill out on the nomination form:
   • The award category for the nomination
   • The name and contact information for the individual or organization being nominated
   • The name and contact information of the person submitting the nomination
   • The nomination narrative: Introduce the project, organization, or individual and describe the achievements and impact on the community served. (Max. 350 words) For nominated individuals, highlight their achievements and their contributions to the field of state and/or local history.  For nominated projects and organizations, highlight how the work supports the organizational mission, increases engagement with history, and, if applicable, encourages community collaborations.
2. Send supporting documents (2 required letters of support and optional supporting documents)
   by email to: localhistoryservices@indianahistory.org

QUESTIONS?
Contact Tamara Hemmerlein, Local History Services director
themmerlein@indianahistory.org 
(317) 234-0170

The Awards Committee is composed of IHS staff and Trustees, and community members as appointed by
IHS. The Awards Committee reserves the right to move nominees into different categories, award multiple
nominees within a category, or decline granting of an award within a category, as appropriate.

All nominators will receive notice of results, and award winners will be contacted in September 2026.
Awards will be presented in-person at local community sites.

Congratulations to the 2025 award winners!

Jacob P. Dunn Jr. Award
The Jacob P. Dunn Jr. Award is named after the Indiana historian and author and is given annually to the author of the best article in Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History, published by the Indiana Historical Society Press.

Will Higgins, Indianapolis – Higgins’ article, “Flying High: The Life and Times of Colonel Roscoe Turner,” appeared in the Summer 2025 issue. The article highlights the colorful career of Turner, a noted pilot, air racer and aviation pioneer, who owned and operated the Roscoe Turner Aeronautical Corporation at the Indianapolis Municipal Airport in 1940.

Dorothy Riker Hoosier Historian Award
The Dorothy Riker Hoosier Historian Award is named for Dorothy Riker, who was a 50-year employee and editor for the Indiana Historical Society and the Indiana Historical Bureau from 1929 to 1979. This award is made annually to a historian who has made distinguished contributions to the field of historical scholarship, including presentation, use of materials and preservation, or the affairs and activities of the IHS.

Pamela Rose Peters, New Albany– Peters’ scholarship on the Underground Railroad has broadened public understanding and access to primary research. Her book, “The Underground Railroad in Floyd County, Indiana,” was among the first publications accepted into the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom. Her research informed the Carnegie Center’s permanent exhibition “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage” and its exhibition on Lucy Higgs Nichols, which is also included in the Network to Freedom. She additionally helped found the Vintage Fire Museum, preserving rare Southern Indiana firefighting artifacts and developing an engaging museum experience that now welcomes thousands of visitors annually.

Eli Lilly Lifetime Achievement Award
The Eli Lilly Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has made extraordinary contributions over an extended period of time to a) the field of history and/or b) the affairs of IHS. This award is named after philanthropist Eli Lilly, a lifelong leader of the Indiana Historical Society.

Marsh Davis, New Harmony and Indianapolis – Davis retired in 2025 after 37 years with Indiana Landmarks, including 19 as president, guiding its growth into the nation’s largest statewide historic preservation organization. Signature achievements include the adaptive reuse of Bush Stadium, restoring Central Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church as the Indiana Landmarks Center, and stewardship of Samara in West Lafayette. He launched major initiatives such as the Black Heritage Preservation Program and Sacred Places Indiana, broadening preservation’s reach and resources statewide. He has been named President Emeritus in recognition of a legacy that strengthened preservation culture across Indiana.

Hubert Hawkins Local History Award
The Hubert Hawkins Local History Award is given annually to a local historian for his or her distinguished service and career in local history. Hubert Howard Hawkins was executive secretary of IHS and director of the Indiana Historical Bureau. He was instrumental in increasing membership through visits around the state and with the Indiana Junior Historical Society.

Carolyn Lafever, Cambridge City – Wayne County Historian Emeritus, Lafever is the author of six books and a contributor to two more. An accomplished musician and former choir director, she is a frequent speaker and advocate whose work has documented, shared and celebrated Wayne County history for decades.

Karen Schwartz, Corydon – Schwartz has led the Historical Society of Harrison County for more than two decades, coordinating 15+ local history books and pamphlets, acquiring and interpreting two historic properties (the William Henry Harrison Log Cabin and the Posey House), and organizing hundreds of public programs, tours, videos and creative history experiences. Her weekly “Looking Back” column further expands community engagement, and her children’s book This Is Our Hometown: Corydon, Indiana fosters early appreciation for local heritage.

Indiana History Outstanding Event or Project Award
The Indiana History Outstanding Event or Project Award recognizes an organization for an exceptional educational event or history project implemented during the past year, either one-time or ongoing, which relates to that organization’s mission.

Indiana State Library, Indianapolis – Launched in January 2025, the Library’s Escape Experience history kits have reached 60+ public libraries and 600+ participants. With six narratives and 24 kits (four copies each), topics include President Benjamin Harrison, Indiana women, Indiana Quakers, Crispus Attucks High School & Indiana basketball, genealogy and aviation history. Libraries value the low-cost, high-quality programming; schools praise minimal setup, reusability and artifact-rich, collaborative learning.

Kosciusko County Historical Society, Warsaw – The Society honored the county’s top female athletes, reuniting girls’ high-school state basketball championship teams from the past 50 years and hosting hands-on sports demos (hockey, pickleball, rugby, Jiu-Jitsu). The celebration continues through the 2025 featured exhibit with artifacts from girls’ teams dating back 100 years.

Riley Children’s Health, Indianapolis – For its 2024 centennial, Riley advanced three major history initiatives:

• “Cherishing Each Child, Riley Hospital for Children, 1924–2024” — the hospital’s first comprehensive history book chronicling ten decades of growth, expansion, and leadership in pediatric care and research. The book highlights the roles of the Riley Children’s Foundation and nationally and internationally recognized physician leaders in shaping Riley’s reputation as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals.
• A centennial video series shared across digital platforms and broadcast locally, documenting breakthroughs in children’s healthcare, including family-centered care, pediatric heart surgery, infectious disease, neonatal care, the Berlin Heart, cochlear implants, and innovative cancer and diabetes research.
• Two digital platforms, created by the Indiana University School of Medicine Library, that provide ongoing public access to Riley historical resources and archival films. These digital collections, designed for perpetual updates, ensure Riley’s century-long story continues to grow for future generations.

Outstanding Collaborative Project Award
The Outstanding Collaborative Project Award recognizes an exceptional project by a historical or heritage organization with one or more partners implemented during the past year, particularly for projects that share county or regional history.

Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter, NSDAR, Indianapolis: Colonial Fair – A free, family-friendly living-history event that drew 1,100+ attendees, including a dedicated student and homeschool day. Volunteer reenactors created a hands-on 1775 village with crafts and interactive displays, emphasizing education and immersive learning for all ages.

Discover Downtown Washington, Washington – Through broad collaboration, the organization helped establish a DORA district, launched Christmas on Main (now annual), started a Farmers Market (2025), produced a large-scale IDDC postcard mural with artist Barb Stahl, and initiated a Façade Grant Program that leveraged $40,000 in public investment into $280,000+ in private improvements—strengthening civic pride through place-based history and revitalization.

Outstanding Historical Organization Award
The Outstanding Historical Organization Award is presented to a local or county historical society, organization or site in Indiana which has demonstrated remarkable service to and programs for its community, and has demonstrated excellent application of professional standards and best practices.

SullivanMunce Cultural Center, Inc., Zionsville – SullivanMunce expanded its Century Structures program; added segmented walking tours (Short & Sweet, Poetry House, Queen Anne’s Stroll) in the BooneINCulture app and integrated Brick Street Poetry (with a companion book in development); continued leadership of Zionsville’s Historic Marker Program with town partners; and advanced digitization in the Genealogy Library—extending access through app-based tours and deepening public engagement with local history.

Click here to see the full list of Indiana Historical Society Award winners from previous years.

Where can I get a nomination form?
See the Online Nomination Form. Contact Tamara Hemmerlein, Local History Services director, at themmerlein@indianahistory.org or (317) 234-0170 with any questions.

What information do I need to have in order to fill out the nomination form?
There are four sections to fill out on the nomination form:

• The award category for the nomination
• The name and contact information for the individual or organization being nominated
• The name and contact information of the person submitting the nomination
• The nomination narrative: Introduce the project, organization, or individual and describe the achievements and impact on the community served. (Max. 350 words) For nominated individuals, highlight their achievements and their contributions to the field of state and/or local history.  For nominated projects and organizations, highlight how the work supports the organizational mission, increases engagement with history, and, if applicable, encourages community collaborations.

Which award category should I choose?
Choose the category that you feel best describes the work of the person or organization being nominated. You can learn more about each of the awards by clicking on “Award Categories.” The Awards Committee reserves the right to move nominees into different categories, award multiple nominees within a category or decline granting an award within a category as appropriate.

What material is required along with the nomination form?
All nominations must include the nomination form and a minimum of two letters of support. Additional material which helps to document the individual’s or organization’s work may include additional letters of support, newspaper articles, brochures, photographs, book title pages, resumes, mission statements, and project summaries. All supporting documents must be emailed to localhistoryservices@indianahistory.org.

What should a letter of support contain?
Letters of support should clearly state the nominator’s relationship to the nominee and knowledge of his/her/its achievements. Letters may also address the quality of work undertaken by the nominee and/or describe the nominee’s impact on the community.

To whom do I address the letter of support?
Letters of support should be addressed to the Annual Awards Committee, and emailed to localhistoryservices@indianahistory.org.

Can I nominate myself?
There are no rules to discourage self-nomination. However, the nomination should include at least two letters of support from people who know you or your organization.

Should I nominate the organization or one person from the organization?
The three organization awards – the Outstanding Historical Organization Award, the Indiana History Outstanding Event or Project Award, and the Outstanding Collaborative Project Award – are given to an organization rather than an individual. A nomination for these awards should still include the name and contact information for someone at the organization who can be the main contact in the event that the organization is selected as an honoree. If the achievements of an individual from an organization meet the qualifications for any of the other award categories, that individual may be nominated separately.

Who makes up the award selection committee?
The Awards committee is composed of a diverse panel of Indiana Historical Society staff, trustees and community members as appointed by the IHS Executive Committee.

When will I be notified of my nomination’s status?
All nominators will be notified in writing about the outcome of the Awards selection in September. Award winners will also be contacted in September.

I missed the deadline. Can I resubmit my nomination next year?
Nominations will be accepted only if they are submitted on or before July 1, 2026. If you miss the deadline, you are welcome to resubmit your nomination the following year. With the exception of the Indiana History Outstanding Event or Project Award and the Outstanding Collaborative Project Award, nominations may be resubmitted if the person or group has not received an award in the previous years.

I have additional questions. Who do I contact?
Please contact Tamara Hemmerlein, Local History Services director, at themmerlein@indianahistory.org or (317) 234-0170.