The following special awards are available at the state contest for those that reach the state level. Please pay close attention to the categories of the awards and consider them when choosing your topic.

C. M. Caldwell Memorial Award for Texas History (All Categories) 

This prize is presented to the best project focusing on a Texas history subject. The project should relate to the NHD annual theme and provide historical analysis and context for the topic including how it plays an important role in Texas history. Sponsored by Mr. J. Clifton Caldwell.

Colonial Dames Award (Papers Only)

Recognizes outstanding junior and senior division papers dealing with the historical impact of innovative ideas embodied in the U.S. Declaration of Independence and/or the U.S. Constitution. Sponsored by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in Texas

Locke Lord LLP Legal History Award (Exhibits Only)

The Locke Lord LLP Legal History prize is awarded to an outstanding exhibit that best reflects original research into a topic focusing on legal history. Entries relating to any period of history will be considered. Students are encouraged to research important court cases, government statutes, and constitutional provisions. Sponsored by Locke Lord LLP.

TXCSS Education History Award (All Categories)

The Texas Council for Social Studies recognizes one entry in the Junior Division and one in the Senior Division with a topic that best represents education in history. Sponsored by the Texas Council for Social Studies

Mary Austin Holley Women’s History Award (Websites & Performances)

The Women’s History Award is presented for excellence in research and creating a project about Women’s History. The award will be considered only for projects focusing on a woman, women, or an event or movement central to women’s history. Preference is given to Texas History topics. One Junior Division and one Senior Division winner receive a medal and $100. Sponsored by Martha Ann Hartzog

George Washington Leadership Prize (All Categories)

George Washington stood at the center of the world stage through the second half of the 18th century and has continued to do so since his death in 1799.  He played a pivotal role in every major event surrounding the founding of our nation in his roles as Commander in Chief, president at the Constitutional Convention, citizen farmer, and the President of the United States of America.  His actions have been examples of civic responsibility, patriotism, and historic complexity over time and remain relevant in national dialogue today. 

Presented by the Washington Library at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, this $500 prize will be awarded to outstanding projects in both the junior and senior categories that demonstrate a clear understanding of the ideas and events defined by Washington’s life, leadership, and legacy.  In addition to outstanding historical interpretation, we award special consideration to projects that seek innovative and compelling ways to tell the story of George Washington so that his timeless and relevant life are accessible to the world. Sponsored by George Washington’s Mt. Vernon.

National History Day Special Prizes for Maritime Projects (all categories)

The National History Day Special Prizes for Maritime Projects is awarded to the two top entries in both junior and senior divisions, individual and group. First and second place prizes will be awarded. First place receives $100 prize (divided equally for group projects), one year membership in the National Maritime Historical Society, which includes Sea History magazine, recognition on www.SeaHistory.org, and a certificate of achievement. The mentoring teacher will receive a one year membership in NMHS and recognition on www.SeaHistory.org. Second place receives a one year membership in the National Maritime Historical Society, which includes Sea History magazine, recognition on www.SeaHistory.org, and a certificate of achievement. The mentoring teacher will receive a one year membership in NMHS and recognition on www.SeaHistory.org. Sponsored by the National Maritime Historical Society.

Richard L. Walker Award for Texas Political History (All Categories)

The Richard L. Walker Award for Texas Political History is awarded to the best entry on a topic dealing with the actions and contributions of Texas elected/appointed leaders, candidates for elected office, advocacy groups, or political events which had a significant effect on the state or a specific community. Sponsored by Richard L. Walker. 

Texas Historical Records Advisory Board’s Best Use of Texas Archival Collections (All Categories) 

The THRAB Best Use of Texas Archival Collections Award encourages students in both the junior and senior divisions to include in their research those primary source materials either created in Texas or held in a Texas repository that represent a first-hand account contemporaneous with their chosen topic. These awards are intended to recognize projects that have utilized archival collections in a substantial way and encourage students to become familiar with archives and archival institutions. Applicants must submit a copy of their bibliography and process paper to the coordinator for consideration. Contributed by The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board.

The Naval Order of the United States Award (All Categories)

The Naval Order of the United States Award recognizes entries that have researched and prepared projects relating to naval and maritime subjects, including the Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard.  Sponsored by the Texas Commandery of the Naval Order of the United States.

Jewish History Award (Papers Only)

The Jewish History Award recognizes excellence in writing about Jewish history. $100 for both the Junior Division and Senior Division. Sponsored by The Texas Jewish Historical Society.

Texas Old Missions and Forts Association (Posters & Exhibits only) 

The Texas Old Missions and Forts Association Award recognizes exhibits involving the missions and/or forts in Texas. The exhibit may be about a single fort or mission or group of the same. It may cover the history or preservation of the site, a historical event, or an individual or group of individuals associated with a fort or mission or it may demonstrate how the fort or mission played a significant role in the history of Texas and the United States. Sponsored by The Texas Old Missions and Forts Restoration Association. Web site: http://www.tomfra.com

Willie Lee Gay Award for African-American History (All Categories)

Mrs. Willie Lee Gay taught Texas history for 30 years at Houston ISD campuses such as Carter G. Woodson Middle School, Reynolds Elementary, and Woodson Junior High School. She sponsored the Woodson Jr. Historian Chapter #244 for fifteen years. In addition to teaching, Gay dedicated her career to the preservation of African American history and has received numerous awards and honors, including the TSHA Certificate of Commendation, Governor Price Daniel Leadership Award (1982), TSHA Leadership Award (1983), and induction into the 1986 Texas Black Women Hall of Fame. In 1991 the late former Governor Ann Richards appointed Gay as the first African American Commissioner on the Texas Historical Commission. In 2003, Houston Community College opened the Willie Lee Gay Hall, a 40,000 square foot building on their south campus. The Willie Lee Gay Award recognizes projects on African American history, preferably African American history in Texas. It is awarded to outstanding projects for a junior and senior category that demonstrate a clear understanding of ideas and events. In addition to outstanding historical research and interpretation, special consideration is offered to projects that focus on African American Texas history. Projects should clearly relate to the annual NHD theme and provide historical analysis and context for the topic. Sponsored by Ms. Willie Lee Gay.

World War II in the Pacific (All categories)

The World War II in the Pacific Award, sponsored by The National Museum of the Pacific War and the Admiral Nimitz Foundation which connects people to the experiences and stories of those affected by World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater by interpreting its enduring relevance, recognizes an outstanding entry involving WWII history in the Pacific theater or on the home front. Open to all categories. Sponsored by the National Museum of the Pacific War and the Admiral Nimitz Foundation.