Lerner-Scott Prize

The deadline has passed. Information on the 2024 prize will be available summer 2023.

DEADLINE: APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY OCTOBER 1, 2022

Two black and white photographs of Gerda Lerner and Anne Firor Scott

The Lerner-Scott Prize is given annually by the Organization of American Historians for the best doctoral dissertation in U.S. women’s history. The prize is named for Gerda Lerner and Anne Firor Scott, both pioneers in women’s history and past presidents of the OAH.

A dissertation must be completed during the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 to be eligible for the 2023 Lerner-Scott Prize.

The prize will be presented at the 2023 OAH Conference on American History in Los Angeles, CA, March 30–April 2.

Application Procedures

Please send an electronic attachment (PDF) of your complete dissertation (including abstract and table of contents) to the committee chair listed below by midnight (PST) on October 1, 2022 with "2023 OAH Lerner-Scott Prize Entry" in the subject line. The committee chair must receive all applications by October 1, 2022.

Each application must also include a letter of support from a faculty member at the degree-granting institution. Faculty members should e-mail their letters separately to the committee members, with "Recommendation for [applicant's name]" in the subject line. Please provide e-mail addresses for both the applicant and the adviser, if available.

Please also provide a cover letter describing the contribution of the dissertation to the field of U.S. women's history and any funding or project or travel grants that supported the completion of the dissertation.

The final decision will be made by the Lerner-Scott Prize Committee by February 2023. The winner will be provided with details regarding the OAH Conference on American History and awards presentation. By applying for this prize, you are agreeing to OAH’s use of your data however it is needed in the normal course of business if selected as winner or honorable mention. Read our privacy policy here.