CoSA Awards Program
The Council of State Archivists Awards Program acknowledges institutions, individuals, and programs that have enriched and strengthened our nation's state and territorial archives. It rewards innovative efforts and provides encouragement for the development of new and remarkable projects. By recognizing exemplary achievements, the Council of State Archivists hopes to inspire others to make similar contributions. The awards are presented at the CoSA annual meeting or other suitable venue.
The Council of State Archivists Awards Program is generously sponsored by
For more information about each award, directions for applying, and a list of past recipients, click on the titles below.
2021 Nominations, Selection, and Presentation Schedule
- April 12, 2021: Deadline nominations - Midnight Eastern Time
- By May 10, 2021: Award recipients notified
- August 18, 2021: Awards presented at CoSA Business Meeting
- December 6, 2021: Deadline nominations for CoSA-Ancestry Leadership Award - Midnight Eastern Time
Victoria Irons Walch Leadership Award
NOMINATION DEADLINE: April 12, 2021
The Victoria Irons Walch Leadership Award recognizes the sustained leadership and outstanding contributions of an individual or institution to the development of state and territorial archives or to CoSA.
Victoria Irons Walch Emerging Leader Award
NOMINATION DEADLINE: April 12, 2021
To encourage the development of an emerging leader in state and territorial archives, the Victoria Irons Walch Emerging Leader Award will provide training and continuing education funds (up to a maximum of $1,000) for a state archives staff member to attend leadership or other training or continuing education.
Advocacy for Archives Award
NOMINATION DEADLINE: April 12, 2021
The Advocacy for Archives Award acknowledges an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to efforts by state and local government archives to ensure the preservation and availability of the American historical record.
Rising Star Awards
NOMINATION DEADLINE: April 12, 2021
The Rising Stars awards acknowledge outstanding contributions by individual staff members or teams to their state archives and constituencies.
CoSA-NHPRC SHRAB Award of Merit
NOMINATION DEADLINE: April 12, 2021
The CoSA-NHPRC SHRAB Award of Merit is given to a State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) project or program that resulted in strengthening the condition or access of documents and records within its state.
CoSA-Ancestry Leadership Award
NOMINATION DEADLINE: December 6, 2021
With the generous support of Ancestry, the Council of State Archivists undertakes its strategic plan commitment to facilitate next-generation leadership development by providing up to $1,000 reimbursement for individuals or $2,000 reimbursement for groups of mid-level managers in state and territorial archives to help develop their professional potential and prepare for advancement.
President's Awards of Excellence
The President's Awards of Excellence are given at the discretion of the CoSA President and are not open for nominations.
Sample Press Release
Award winners can use this Sample Press Release to help publicize their award.