Montana Historical Society Awards

The Montana Historical Society Board of Trustees choose up to two annual awardees honoring those that have done exemplary work to preserve and share Montana's historical and cultural heritage. Nominations open February 1 and close April 1 each year.  

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The Montana Headwaters Book Prize awards a first, second, and third place prize for best historical nonfiction book of the year on Montana, set substantially in the twentieth century or earlier. Submissions open in September and close in January of each year. 

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Awarded annually by the board of editors, this award celebrates the best article in Montana The Magazine of Western History. Authors and historians may submit articles for the magazine or book proposals. 

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Montana The Magazine of Western History solicits article manuscripts from graduate students, early career faculty, and independent scholars. The winning scholar receives a prize of $1000, paid travel and attendance to the Montana History Conference to present on their research, and commits to publishing their article in Montana. Submissions open in August and close in early January.

This annual award honors an outstanding schoolteacher for excellence in teaching Montana history. Nominations open mid-March and close mid-April of each year followed by an application process each nominated teacher submits by early May.  

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The Gallery of Outstanding Montanans was established by the State Legislature in 1979 to pay homage to citizens of the Treasure State who made contributions of state or national significance to their selected fields of endeavor while epitomizing the unique spirit and character that defines Montana. New inductees will be chosen in 2026. 

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Each biennium, the State Historic Preservation office honors organizations, businesses, and/or individuals with the following awards: 

• Governor’s Award for Preservation Excellence

• Preservation awards for noteworthy preservation projects, advocacy, or leadership

• John DeHaas Award Lifetime Achievement Award 

The State Historic Preservation Office nominates award recipients in collaboration with the Governor’s office.

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Awarded by the State Historical Preservation Office, this award goes to graduate level students who use SHPO's cultural resources database and GIS mapping s a primary tool in research and writing of a masters thesis or doctoral dissertation. The Fellowship is open on a rolling basis to graduate students enrolled in Montana universities.

SHPO requires students to inquire about the opportunity via mtshpo@mt.gov.

The Montana Historical Society Library & Archives awards three competitive fellowships annually to researchers studying Montana history.

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