We give awards every year to those who do something extraordinary during the year for the sake of history. We have been giving awards since 1984 and so far, we have presented around 250 awards for preserving and restoring buildings, organizing and cleaning up cemeteries, writing history books and articles about the county, history day students, presenting history projects and events. Let’s take this opportunity to recognize other great accomplishments!
The awards program of the Sonoma County Historical Society recognizes outstanding accomplishments of individuals and organizations that serve the interests of Sonoma County history. The awards are open to members and non-members of the Society. Nominations for recipients must be approved by a majority of the current Board of Directors of the Society. Awards may or may not be given in all categories, and multiple awards may be given in any category in any particular year.
Nominations must be submitted to the Society at least three months before the annual meeting at which they are to be awarded. Nominations may be submitted by members or non-members. Nominations must include:
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name, mailing address, and phone number of the recipient
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name and contact information of the person making the nomination
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a detailed reason for recommending the award.
Nominations may be submitted in writing to a current board member or by using the form linked to the right. Nominations are due three months prior to the annual meeting to be considered for that years award.
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Robert Thompson Commercial Award
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Recognition of a business or industrial firm.
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Preservation or publication of significant collections of historical records
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Use of historical material in advertising
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Financing of historical activities
Brainerd Jones Preservation Award
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For completed acts of restoration or preservation by organizations or individuals.
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Restoration or preservation of historical buildings, bridges landmarks, trails, monuments, documents, vehicles, costumes, art, armaments, etc.
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Significant financial or material contributions advancing or enhancing historical restorations and preservation activities.
Campbell Augustus Menefee Scholastic Award
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Recognition to a school, student, or individual for a significant historical project or research in Sonoma County history which has led to publication of a book or to a major education activity.
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Publication of new or expanded historical material
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Translation of historical material into English or other languages.
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Sponsorship of scholastic effort in historical research, writing, restoration or preservation
Jeanne Thurlow Miller Individual Award
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Recognition for significant historical activities and accomplishments by an individual.
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Significant service on behalf of organized historical groups or historical projects
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Significant financial or material contributions to organized historical groups or historical projects.
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Leadership of organized historical groups or projects
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Promotion of historical objectives in community, state or nation.
Mariano Vallejo Government Award
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Recognition to a municipal, county, state, or federal agency or individual for significant activities and accomplishments.
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Legislative initiatives protecting historic cultural resources.
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Financial incentives or contributions to historical projects.
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Political leadership promoting history.
Gaye LeBaron Editor's Award for Historic Scholarship
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Recognition of an author's published article of outstanding historical merit.
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historical significance - local, state, or national
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Originality, quality of research, and evidence of sound scholarship
Floyd Bailey National History Week Award
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Recognition to a full time student enrolled in an accredited college for a significant achievement which has expanded knowledge of Sonoma County's history.
B. Bonham National History Week Award
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Recognition of a significant scholarly achievement by a secondary student - Grades 9 through 12
Alice Brown National History Week Award
* Recognition of significant scholarly achievement by an elementary student - grades 4 through 8
Carmen J. Finley Historical Website Award
Jack Taylor Media Award
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Recognition of the creation of an audio and/or video record of historically significant events, persons, or activities by an individual, group, or organization.