Awards and Grants

Established in 1968 to recognize extraordinary service to and support of The State Historical Society of Missouri, the Distinguished Service Award has honored officers, trustees, volunteers, and staff members. It is the highest honor bestowed by SHSMO.

The Eagleton-Waters Book Award recognizes the author of the best book published on the political history of Missouri.

The James W. Goodrich and Lynn Wolf Gentzler Missouri Historical Review Article Award is presented annually to the author of the article best contributing to an understanding of Missouri history published in the most recent volume of the journal.

The Lewis E. Atherton Prizes annually recognize an outstanding master’s thesis and an outstanding doctoral dissertation on Missouri history or biography.

The Mary C. Neth Prize, created in memory of a professor in the University of Missouri–Columbia Department of History who specialized in women’s history, is given biennially (in odd–numbered years) to the author of the best article on women or gender issues appearing in the preceding two volumes of the Missouri Historical Review.

The Missouri History Book Award is given annually to the author of the best book written on the history of Missouri and Missourians.

The State Historical Society of Missouri honors a long-time former SHSMO Executive Director, Dr. Richard S. Brownlee, by making grants available in his name to help Missouri cultural heritage institutions preserve and provide access to local history. Brownlee Local History Grants awards of up to $500 are available for the preservation of historical records or the education and programming of activities. A maximum of $10,000 will be awarded each year.

There are people who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to SHSMO's mission to collect, preserve, and share Missouri History. SHSMO's Board of Trustees has chosen to honor these select individuals with a special recognition for their steadfast support. It began in 2012 and was named the Trustee Appreciation Award the following year.