BaylorTOHAAwardsCommunity History Award

Mary Faye Barnes Award for Excellence in Community History Projects

In 1999 the Texas Oral History Association initiated an award to bring recognition to oral history projects exemplifying distinguished preservation of community history. The award is named for longtime community historian and twice TOHA president, Mary Faye Willms-Barnes, of Lockhart, Texas.

For the purposes of this award, community history is broadly defined, to include the history of a village, town, or urban neighborhood, but also to include the history of a business, school, hospital, social organization, religious organization, or other public or private institution.

AWARD CRITERIA:

  • The project displayed innovative applications of oral history research or utilized standard oral history practice successfully to preserve the story of its community, to enhance understanding among community members, or to bring to light previously undocumented aspects of the community's history.
  • The project produced oral history recordings and possibly transcripts and provided for their preservation and availability for research in an appropriate archive or library.
  • The project followed the ethical and legal guidelines of the national Oral History Association, including provision for interview agreement forms or donation forms.
  • The project is a model for the use of oral history in community settings.
  • The project includes an educational component and/or outreach plans to share the outcomes with the community.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Project developers and leaders may submit their projects to TOHA for consideration and nominations may be accepted from community members. TOHA members and local historical associations are encouraged to submit nominations. Nominees are not required to be members of TOHA. To nominate a project, complete the Community History Award Nomination Form and return it with the required attachments to TOHA headquarters by December 31. Nominations will be distributed for evaluation by a TOHA Awards Committee appointed by the TOHA President. Committee members must be TOHA members but do not have to be TOHA Board members. The Awards Committee may develop an interview procedure to receive adequate information to evaluate a project. The Awards Committee will present award candidates to the TOHA Board of Directors for approval. No limits exist on the number of awards presented within a year.

THE AWARD:

The award consists of an award certificate in a presentation folder or engraved on a plaque. A resolution statement describing the outstanding characteristics of the project may be developed and presented. Whenever possible, the award will be presented in the community setting by a TOHA member living in the region of the award winner. TOHA will announce the award in its newsletter and website. The Awards Committee will provide information on the award to appropriate local media and/or other historical associations.