MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Historical Society is pleased to announce the 2026 winners of the annual Board of Curators Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations across the state for exceptional work aligned with the organization’s mission to connect people to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. 

The Board of Curators is the Wisconsin Historical Society’s governing body composed of both elected and appointed members from across Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Historical Society received 52 nominations across seven award categories this year.

“The recipients of the 2026 Board of Curators Awards demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to preserving and sharing history throughout communities in Wisconsin,” said Christian Øverland, the Ruth & Hartley Barker Director and CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Through dedicated efforts spanning preservation, research, education and public engagement, these organizations and individuals exemplify the power of local history to connect communities, foster understanding and bolster civic pride.”

The Board of Curators is delighted to announce the following award recipients:

Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy – presented annually to a Wisconsin Historical Society affiliate for excellence in service to its community.

  • WINNER: Door County Historical Society, for continued excellence in collecting, preserving and sharing local history, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Book of Merit Award – presented to the author of a book on Wisconsin history which made a valuable contribution to public understanding of Wisconsin’s past during the preceding calendar year.

  • WINNER: “Ojibwe Ethnogenesis, 1640–1740”by Theresa M. Schenck, published by University of Nebraska Press

Family History Book Award – presented in partnership with the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society, honors the top genealogy history book with substantial Wisconsin interest or connection.

  • WINNER: “Silesians in the Driftless: The Thomas and Maria (Kania) Misch and Frank and Marie (Walek) Smieja Families of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin” by Kathryn A. Newman

Governor’s Archives Awards – the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board (WHRAB) co-presents awards in this category focused on historical records and manuscripts in Wisconsin.

  • WINNER – Archival Achievement: Marquette University, Raynor Library, Archival Collections and Institutional Repository, for their work digitizing records of the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions and providing online access, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • WINNER – Archival Advocacy: UW-Milwaukee Geography Department, Mapping Racism and Resistance in Milwaukee County, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • WINNER – Archival Innovation: UW-Stevens Point Neils R. Kampenga University Archives and Area Research Center, Stevens Point Through the Years, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Historic Preservation and Historic Rehabilitation Awards – recognizes exemplary projects that preserve or restore a part of Wisconsin’s heritage.

  • WINNER – Preservation Award: City of Port Washington for their long-term preservation of Port Washington North Breakwater Light  
  • WINNER – Rehabilitation Award (budget greater than $2.5 million): UW-Madison and the State of Wisconsin DOA, Facilities Development, Lathrop Hall rehabilitation, Madison, Wisconsin
  • WINNER – Restoration Award (budget under $2.5 million): Eagle Bluff Light Station, Eagle Bluff Light Station restoration, Fish Creek, Wisconsin

Museum Exhibit Awards – awarded for exceptional historical exhibits featuring Wisconsin themes.

  • WINNER (Museum exhibit with budget less than $5,000): “Leon Lewis,” Iron County Historical Society, Hurley, Wisconsin 

Public Program Award – honors outstanding work in a new Wisconsin history public program.

  • WINNER: Shawano County Historical Society and Leadership Shawano County, Shawano Has History Project, Shawano, Wisconsin

More information about the Board of Curators Awards is available.

About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.