Organization of American Historians
Click on the keywords to navigate the site.

2012 OAH RICHARD W. LEOPOLD PRIZE

Home

The Richard W. Leopold Prize, first given in 1984, was designed to improve contacts and interrelationships within the historical profession where an increasing number of history-trained scholars hold distinguished positions in governmental agencies. This prize recognizes the significant historical work being done by historians outside academe. The Leopold Prize is given by the Organization of American Historians every two years for the best book written by a historian connected with federal, state or municipal government. Areas of study include: foreign policy, military affairs broadly construed, the activities of the federal government or biography in one of the foregoing areas. These subjects cover the concerns and the historical fields of activity of the late Professor Leopold, who was President of the Organization of American Historians 1976-1977.

The winner must have been employed in a government position for at least five years. If the author has accepted an academic position, the book must have been published within two years from the time of the change. Verification of current or past employment with the government must be included with each entry.

Each entry must be published during the two-year period January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2011. One copy of each entry must be received by each committee member by October 1, 2011.

Please note that it is the policy of the OAH to honor those applicants who have submitted their applications on or before the stated deadline date. Applications which are not received by close of business on the deadline date will not be considered.

Final page proofs may be used for books to be published after October 1, 2011 and before January 1, 2012. If a final page proof is submitted, a bound copy of the entry must be received no later than January 7, 2012. No late submissions will be accepted. If a book carries a copyright date that is different from the publication date, but the actual publication date falls during the correct time frame making it eligible, please include a letter of explanation with each copy of the book sent to committee members.

The winning author receives $1,500. The publisher receives a certificate.

The award will be presented at the 2012 annual meeting of the OAH in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 19-22.  One copy of each entry, clearly labeled "2012 Richard W. Leopold Prize Entry," must be mailed directly to:

[Addresses forthcoming]

Darlene Richardson (Committee Chair)
Affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs, History Office

Brenda Gayle Plummer
Affiliation: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Timothy P. Townsend
Affiliation: Lincoln Home National Historic Site

List of Past Winners

Last modified:
11:19 AM, 01/25/10