The State of Tennessee has opened the floor for nominations to its Certificate of Merit Awards, a recognition bestowed upon those who have made notable efforts in preserving the state's historical legacy. According to an announcement from the Tennessee Historical Commission, the annual accolades aim to spotlight the work of individuals and organizations in the study and conservation of Tennessee history and will be accepting submissions until December 31, 2025.
Quoting the State Historic Preservation Officer and Interim Executive Director Miranda Montgomery, "For the past 51 years our awards program has honored those working to revitalize Tennessee’s historic places." Montgomery also emphasized the Merit Awards program's role in acknowledging contributions to publications and educational endeavors about Tennessee’s history and heritage, as stated by the Tennessee Historical Commission.
The categories for nomination include projects involving historic places, academic publications, and educational activities tied to Tennessee's heritage. The winners, as determined by the Tennessee Historical Commission Board, will be announced next May, coinciding with National Historic Preservation Month.
Details surrounding the application process and award criteria have been made available on the Tennessee Historical Commission's website. Enthusiasts looking to honor someone in the heritage field or nominate their own work can send their applications to [email protected]. After the final decisions on the applications have been made, absurdly, the recipients will be announced by the Tennessee Historical Commission Board.
For further guidance or information on the Certificate of Merit Awards, Outreach Coordinator Caty Dirksen is the point of contact for potential applicants. With the end of the year fast approaching, those interested in submitting nominations are encouraged to act swiftly to ensure their candidates ar, as per the Tennessee Historical Commission. considered for the prestigious recognition.
