Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Museums: History Alive!
Generously supported by Ecclesiastical Insurance, the Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Museums: History Alive! is a partnership between the Canadian Museums Association (CMA) and Canada's History Society (CHS). This award was presented for the first time in December 2011 by the Governor General of Canada, at Rideau Hall.
Canadian history is comprised of many histories. It is kept vibrant and meaningful by the roles and activities of smaller community-based initiatives, led largely by Canada's museums, archives, and local heritage institutions. Their efforts ensure there is an enduring repository of valuable research information for future generations, as well as provide important interpretive programs that give greater personal relevance and connection for Canadians to the later national story.
The goal of the History Alive! award is to honour significant achievement in the historical field and encourage standards of excellence specifically in the presentation, preservation and interpretation of national, regional or local history.
The award recognizes individuals or institutions that have made remarkable contributions to a better knowledge of Canadian history. Read on for nomination criteria and application instructions.
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Deadline
August 25, 2023
How to apply
Please complete our online nomination form.
Eligibility
- Eligible nominees are individuals or organizations in museums, archives, art galleries and related heritage institutions that have made remarkable contributions to a better knowledge of the Canadian local, regional or national history.
- The award is conferred on accomplishments occurring within the year preceding the nomination deadline.
- Individuals or organizations may not receive an award more than once in three years.
- Works accepted for nomination may include innovative exhibitions, interpretation, programs and presentations on local, regional or national history subjects, in English or in French.
- The works must be about actual people and events in Canadian history, or composites of events known to have happened.
- Posthumous nominations will not be considered.
- Individual nominations will not be considered more than 3 times.
- Members of the jury or their affiliated institutions are not eligible.
- Nominees do not require membership, however the nominator must be an institutional or individual member of either the CMA or CHS involved in museums, art galleries or a related heritage institution.
Selection criteria
Nominees are considered on the basis of the quality of their research, presentation, preservation and interpretation of history, as well as the overall contribution and impact of their work to fostering a better understanding of our past. A volunteer jury will review the nominations and choose the award recipient.
Nominations will be assessed against the following:
- Innovation: Nominee initiated and used new ideas, concepts, approaches, activities and programs in communicating local, regional or national history;
- Integrity: the project is an accurate portrayal of an aspect of Canadian heritage/history;
- Impact: the project results in positive outcomes in Canadian communities, enhances historical and heritage understanding, and has a significant record of audience outreach;
- Inclusion: the project/activity supports, promotes, and reflects accessibility and diversity;
- Inspirational: the project is of significance to other museums in the presentation of Canada's history.
A volunteer jury will review the nominations and choose the award recipient.
Recognition
The award will be presented in the Fall each year by the Governor General during the Award Ceremony at Rideau Hall. The winner will also be featured in Muse Magazine.
Our partner organization, Canada’s History, will also work with the winner to create a video and promote their project to local media.
Join the jury
The CMA is looking for volunteer jurors to assess award nominees against the selection criteria and recommend a winner. The assessment period will take place August 21st to September 1st and will require reviewing all nomination packages and attending a virtual 2-hour jury deliberation meeting.
Participating in an awards jury is a great way to support museums, learn more about museum projects happening in Canada and deepen your understanding of what goes into Canadian museology. Some of the benefits are:
- Exposure to diverse and innovative projects from across Canada;
- Greater involvement with the CMA;
- Professional development, especially for new committee members.
Click here for more information on how to apply.