Sponsored by the Macquarie University Centre for Applied History and the Professional Historians Association (NSW & ACT)
The purpose of the Award is to encourage historians to produce a creative work of applied history drawing on their research. It aims to promote the value of public history and the pursuit of history as a rewarding professional career.
Individuals and groups are eligible to apply. The award is open to historians at all stages of their career, including those inside and outside of academic institutions; undergraduate, diploma, masters and doctoral level students; as well as professional, local, community and family historians. Candidates must have lived and/or created their work in New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory over the 12 months preceding the deadline for submissions.
The winning entry will demonstrate excellence in writing or other media, and the ability to use original source materials, or demonstrated originality of interpreting the past in a contextual way. This work should engage with the field and practice of professional, public and applied history, using the past to inform contemporary concerns, issues and topics in creative ways.
Submissions can take varied forms, including:
- an essay up to 6,000 words written for a wide audience
- documented evidence of an exhibition and an exegesis (1,000 words) explaining context, purpose and any audience metrics
- documented evidence of a website and an exegesis (1,000 words) explaining context, purpose and any audience metrics
- multi-media submission of any form including podcasts, videos and social media campaigns, with an exegesis (1,000 words) explaining context, purpose and any audience metrics.
The winner receives a citation and a prize of $1000 at the Annual History Lecture during NSW History Week. Winners will also be promoted via social media, online and in the PHA’s newsletter.
The 2024 Applied History Award was announced at the University of Sydney’s Chau Chak Wing Museum on 10 September 2024.
Click this link to learn more about the Award presentation.