Overview
The CoSA-NHPRC SHRAB Award of Merit is a joint recognition from the Council of State Archivists (CoSA) and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) honoring outstanding projects undertaken by State Historical Records Advisory Boards (SHRABs). This award celebrates exemplary SHRAB programs - whether short-term or multi-year - that strengthen the condition, accessibility, and visibility of archival records within their state or territory.
Why This Award Matters
Recognizes impactful SHRAB work that enhances archival infrastructure, preservation, or public access.
Encourages innovation and best practices among SHRABs, serving as a model for other states.
Elevates projects that extend reach to underserved communities, expand access to records, or improve archival programs.
Strengthens the partnership between CoSA and NHPRC, underscoring shared commitment to historical records advocacy and preservation.
2026 Nomination Schedule
May: Deadline for nominations
Late June: Announcement of award recipients
- Late Summer/Early Fall: Awards presented at the CoSA Annual Meeting in Columbia, NC
Any questions may be directed to awards@statearchivists.org.
Eligible Projects/Programs
Any SHRAB-led project or program (single- or multi-year) aimed at improving archival records conditions or access.
Projects must have been active during the previous calendar year.
Both short-term initiatives and long-term programs are eligible.
SHRABs are encouraged to self-nominate.
Evaluation Criteria
Nominations are evaluated based on:
Improvement and Visibility: Did the project measurably enhance archival programs, adhere to best practices, or expand the visibility of archives in the state or territory?
Accessibility: Does the project improve access to archival collections, reach new audiences, or strengthen existing outreach?
Efficiency Relative to Resources: What was achieved compared to the resources or scope of the SHRAB’s responsibility?
Innovation & Leadership: Is the project unique or particularly well-designed? Could it serve as a model for other SHRABs?
- Who Can Nominate: Anyone - individuals, organizations, or CoSA members. Self-nominations are welcome.
- What to submit:
- Brief Biography (up to 1 page): Describe the nominee’s achievements, ongoing work, and CoSA involvement.
- Letter of support: At least one; from someone familiar with the nominee’s work.
- Optional materials: Resume/CV, examples of work, promotional materials, press releases, etc.
- How to nominate: Submit via the online nomination form (link coming soon).
- Selection committee: The CoSA Awards Committee (chaired by the Immediate Past President) reviews all nominations.
- Number of awards: The committee determines how many awards to give; it may also choose to not give an award in a particular cycle.
- The recipient will receive a certificate.
- The winner is publicly recognized at the CoSA Annual Meeting Awards Ceremony and via CoSA’s communications channels (website, newsletter, social media).
- CoSA can provide a press release template to help the awardee announce their achievement.
- Nominate a colleague, peer, or institution - consider individuals or programs that demonstrate leadership above and beyond.
- Spread the word - share the nomination form with your networks.
- Celebrate winners - once recipients are announced, help promote their work by sharing their stories.
- Support CoSA’s mission - recognizing leadership helps build a stronger community of state and territorial archives.
CoSA-NHPRC SHRAB Award of Merit Recipients
