Richard W. Leopold Prize

DEADLINE: SUBMISSIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY OCTOBER 1, 2021

Verification of current or past employment with the U.S. government (in the form of a letter or e-mail sent to the publisher from the office that employs or has employed the author) must be included with each entry for the Leopold Prize.

The Richard W. Leopold Prize is given biennially by the Organization of American Historians to the author or editor of the best book on foreign policy, military affairs, historical activities of the federal government, documentary histories, or biography written by a U.S. government historian or federal contract historian. These subjects cover the concerns and the historical fields of activity of the late Professor Leopold, who was president of the OAH 1976–1977.

The prize was designed to improve contacts and interrelationships within the historical profession where an increasing number of history-trained scholars hold distinguished positions in governmental agencies. The prize recognizes the significant historical work being done by historians outside academe.

Each entry must be published during the two-year period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021.

The award will be presented at the 2022 OAH Conference on American History in Boston, MA, March 31–April 3.

Submission Procedures

The winner must have been employed as a full-time historian or federal contract historian with the U.S. government for a minimum of five years prior to the submission. If the author has accepted an academic position, retired, or otherwise left federal service, the book must have been published within two years of their separation date. Verification of current or past employment with the U.S. government (in the form of a letter or e-mail sent to the publisher from the office that employs or has employed the author) must be included with each entry for the Leopold Prize.

One copy of each entry, clearly labeled “2022 Richard W. Leopold Prize Entry,” must be mailed directly to the committee members listed below. Each committee member must receive all submissions postmarked by October 1, 2021.

Bound page proofs may be used for books to be published after October 1, 2021 and before January 1, 2022. If a bound page proof is submitted, a bound copy of the book must be sent to each committee member postmarked no later than January 7, 2022. (Please see “Submission Policy” at right.)

If a book carries a copyright date that is different from the publication date, but the actual publication date falls during the correct timeframe making it eligible, please include a letter of explanation from the publisher with each copy of the book sent to the committee members.

The final decision will be made by the Richard W. Leopold Prize Committee by February 2022. The winner will be provided with details regarding the OAH Conference on American History and awards presentation. By applying for this prize, you are agreeing to OAH’s use of your data however it is needed in the normal course of business if selected as winner or honorable mention. Read our privacy policy here.