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Library Stacks, 1948

A young man studying at a table in the library stacks. View the original source document: WHI 26479

The Wisconsin Historical Society invites submissions for the Society's annual Book of Merit Award, awarded in June of each year.

The Book of Merit Award is given to the author of a nonfiction book published during the preceding calendar year that, in the opinion of the judges, made the most valuable contribution to public understanding of Wisconsin history.

Authors and publishers are encouraged to nominate their own works for consideration.

Eligibility

Books must meet all of the following requirements to be considered:

• The book must have been published in the calendar year preceding the award.
• It must be commercially distributed to the public through well-established channels such as bookshops, retail stores, or online retailers.
• A printed edition of at least 100 copies must have been published.
• The printed volume must contain at least 50 pages.
• Its subject matter must primarily concern events, people, or other topics from Wisconsin's past.

Genealogical books are excluded from consideration for the Book of Merit Award; authors should submit them under our Wisconsin Family History Book Award category instead. Starting in 2026, Wisconsin Historical Society Press books are not eligible for the award.

Award Criteria

Judges will assess each book's merits according to the following criteria, so far as each may apply to the book in hand:

• Factual accuracy and documentation
• Quality of the writing
• Research methodology
• Graphic design
• Impact on the reading public
• Overall contribution to Wisconsin history

Awards are reviewed by a committee of judges appointed by the Society and then approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Curators. The judges reserve the right to make no award in any given year. The decision of the judges is final.

Due Date

March 10 of each year (postmarked or delivered)

How to Apply

Nominations must be submitted on the Book Award Nomination Form and be accompanied by three copies of the book and three copies of any reviews that have been published. The books and reviews will not be returned to the applicant.

Send applications to:

Wisconsin Historical Society
Attention: Josh Leventhal, WHS Press
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53706-1482

2025 Award Winner

Indigenous Archival Activism: Mohican Interventions in Public History and Memory, by Rose Miron, published by the University of Minnesota Press

Have Questions?

For more information about this award or to obtain a printed nomination form by mail, contact Josh Leventhal, Director of the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, at [email protected] or at the mailing address above.