Montana Headwaters Book Prize

Annually, Larry Len and Leanne Peterson will fund the Montana Headwaters Book Prize in partnership with the Montana Historical Society (MTHS). The Montana Headwaters Book Prize awards up to three awards, which may include a first, second, and third place prize for the best historical nonfiction book of the year on Montana set substantially in the twentieth century or earlier. First-time authors are encouraged to apply. An announcement of the winners by MTHS will be made on May 15, 2027.

Prizes will be presented at the 2027 Montana History Conference held September 23-25 at the Great Northern Hotel in Helena, Montana. Attendance at the conference by the first-place author is required. Attendance by the second- and third-place authors is strongly encouraged. If applicants can’t meet these conditions, they should not apply for the prize.

Winners will receive the following awards at the Montana History Conference:

First place: bronze reproduction of C. M. Russell bookends and a cash prize of $4,000, along with paid registration, lodging and transportation to the Montana History Conference (attendance is required).
Second place: plaque and a cash prize of $2,000, and complimentary registration to the Montana History Conference (attendance is strongly encouraged).
Third place: plaque and a cash prize of $1,500, and complimentary registration for the Montana History Conference (attendance is strongly encouraged).

Book Prize Eligibility Requirements

Books on topics such as events, persons, art, photography, places, or developments associated primarily with Montana set substantially in the twentieth century or earlier will be considered, with the criteria outlined below. First time authors are encouraged to apply.

Works must be first edition/first printing full-length books of nonfiction written in English and assigned an ISBN.
Books must have footnotes or endnotes, citations, bibliographical essay, a bibliography and/or an index to be considered.
Books must be published during the 2026 calendar year.
Authors or publishers can submit books.
Self-published books are accepted.
The author does not need to be a resident of Montana.
Books published by the MTHS Press are eligible but must be submitted by the author and the author will receive the award.
Single and joint authorship books are eligible.
Compilations are eligible.
Attendance at the Montana History Conference, September 23-25, 2027, at the Great Northern Hotel in Helena, Montana is required for the first-place prize and is strongly encouraged for second and third places.

Entry Information

There is an entry fee of $50. Authors or publishers will complete a brief entry form available on the MTHS website.
Six printed copies of the work must be submitted to the Larry Len and LeAnne Peterson Library & Archives, Montana Historical Society, 225 North Roberts Street, PO BOX 201201, Helena, MT 59601. Selected books will be added to the library collection. No submission will have delivery acknowledged. Please use tracking when shipping.
Book submissions will be accepted between September 1, 2026, and January 31, 2027.

Judging Criteria

Judges will evaluate submissions for the following criteria.

Physical attributes including readability of font, attractiveness of design, quality and appropriateness of illustrations, and quality of printing.
Writing quality, including if the writing is engaging, readable, uses appropriate grammar and punctuation, and is accessible.
Evidence of original research or a new Interpretation of historical events that changes the way we see things.
Evidence of research quality and historical accuracy.
Significance of contribution to Montana history.

Thank you for your interest in the Montana Headwaters Book Prize!

Please direct questions to mthsHeadwaters@mt.gov.