Have you seen an exceptional exhibit at an upstate New York institution this past year? Has your organization created an innovative educational program or publication? Would you like to recognize a volunteer or employee who have done exceptional work? If so, we encourage you to submit a nomination for our Awards of Merit. Each year the Upstate History Alliance gives annual Awards of Merit to recognize outstanding work in the regional history and museum community, reward staff and volunteers, and provide encouragement for development of new and innovative projects.

These awards were presented to recipients at the opening reception of the Upstate History Alliance/Museum Association. In 2008, awards were presented at the Albany Institute of History and Art in Albany, NY. For a list of 2008 award recipients, click here.

Any organization or individual is invited to nominate an organization, person(s) or project that was completed in 2007 in upstate New York for an Award of Merit. Nomination of oneself or one's organization is permissible and encouraged.

This year, the Upstate History Alliance Award of Merit program has been reorganized into four categories for nominations. These categories are:

Preserving Our Past: Museums and Historical Societies throughout New York are often the caretakers and preservers of our history as they care for museum collections and historic sites. Nominations for this category should be for exemplary projects that concern preservation, cataloging or care of collections. Examples might include excellence in collections management and the recognition or preservation of a historic site for future generations.

Interpreting Our Past: The work of museums and historical organizations is not solely collecting and preserving. This category recognizes the importance of interpreting our past through thoughtful, thematic, and well-researched exhibition, tours or publications.

The Public Dimension: A critical element of any museum or historical society is the way that it interacts with its community. Nominations for this category should highlight projects that engage your community or create new audiences for your organization.. These projects could include an interpretative exhibition, lecture series, educational program or other community engagement effort.

Individual Achievement: Any successful organization has the support of a devoted team of staff and volunteers. Nominations in this category should be for those people who have played pertinent roles in moving their organizations forward over a sustained period. Nominations can by for an individual or a team of museum staff and/or volunteers.

A team of judges will use the following criteria to evaluate a nomination:

How did the project or persons work benefit the public? The judges favor projects with an ambitious outreach and that improve upon current programs, over those that were intended mainly to benefit the members of the organization. An individual’s nominated work should be above and beyond their usual assigned duties.

Does the project enhance the professionalism of the organization/individual? Judges are looking for projects that reflect professional growth of an organization or individual, adhere to museum standards and best practices, and enhance the organization’s mission.

Does the project improve the organization's ability to serve the public? Projects that reach new audiences, enhance current programs, and are part of a permanent commitment to improvement are favored.

What was the nominee's accomplishment relative to its resources or responsibilities? Organizations/individuals with access to greater/better resources will be held to higher standards than those organizations that are all-volunteer or have limited resources.

Is the project an outstanding example in its category? Projects will be evaluated on the basis of relevancy, significance to the field, overall quality, and their unique or innovative character.

The judges will review the nominations on their own merit and will confer as many or as few awards as they feel are merited. Awards of Merit are given to institutions or individuals whose projects/work represent outstanding contributions in their category and excellence compared to similar activities throughout New York State.
Certificates of Commendation
will be awarded for excellence within the context of available means and regional standards.

A completed nomination will include the following:

• Cover Letter
  
• Completed Nomination Form
• Nominated institution’s Mission Statement and a brief description of the organization. For a nomination in the Individual Achievement category, please include this information for the employee’s or volunteer’s organization
• A 1-3 page description of the project or achievement addressing all of the above judging criteria
  
• A short description of the project or individual achievement for Award of Merit promotional materials. Please do not exceed 75 words.
• Project documentation such as copies of publications, photographs, slides, or images, audio or video tapes, press releases, newspaper articles, reviews, or other promotional materials
  

Please be as specific and concrete as possible when describing the work completed. All documentation (especially images) should be clearly labeled.

Nominations are accepted by mail only and must be postmarked by December 5, 2008. All materials submitted will become the property of UHA unless the nominator requests that it be returned and provides a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail nomination to: UHA, 11 Ford Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Do you have any questions about the Upstate History Alliance Award of Merit program, eligibility, judging criteria or nomination procedures? Please contact Jenny Rosenzweig, Program Coordinator, at 800.895.1648 or by email at jenny@upstatehistory.org with any questions that you may have.