GHS Awards and Honors
The Georgia Historical Society recognizes individuals and organizations that have helped to ensure a future for Georgia’s past through dedicated scholarship, programming, and altruism through a variety of awards programs. GHS is proud to acknowledge those who advance knowledge and understanding of the rich and diverse history of our state.
Georgia Trustees
The highest honor bestowed by the state of Georgia, the Georgia Trustees continue the tradition of Non Sibi, Sed Aliis, “not for self, but for others,” adopted by the original Trustees who founded the colony of Georgia in 1733. The Governor of Georgia inducts new Trustees at the annual GHS Trustees Gala in February.
John Macpherson Berrien Award
The Berrien Award is given for a lifetime of achievement in and service to Georgia history. This merit-based award is given at the discretion of the Georgia Historical Society. The award was established in 2000 and named in honor of John Macpherson Berrien, one of the founders of GHS and the Society’s first president. He also served in the U.S. Senate and as Attorney General.
Previous Honorees
- 2024: Kay Hightower, Thomaston
- 2023: Dale Critz, Sr., Savannah
- 2022: John McMullan, Atlanta
- 2021: Charles Crawford, Atlanta
- 2020: John Duncan, Savannah
- 2019: Ross Rossin, Atlanta
- 2018: Wyckliffe Knox, Jr.; Shell Knox; Augusta
- 2017: Robert L. Brown, Jr., Decatur
- 2016: John C. Inscoe, Ph.D., Athens
- 2015: Bill Jones III, Sea Island
- 2014: Howard J. Morrison, Jr., Savannah
- 2013: Kenneth H. Thomas, Jr., Decatur
- 2012: Beverly “Bo” DuBose III, Atlanta
- 2011: Lisa L. White, Savannah
- 2010-2009: Don and Kaye Kole, Savannah
- 2008: Bradley Hale, Atlanta
- 2007: Tom Watson Brown, Atlanta (posthumous)
- 2006: Craig Barrow III, Savannah
- 2005: W. W. Abbot, Charlottesville, VA
- 2004: George Hooks, Americus
- 2003: Emma & Lee Adler, Savannah
- 2002: Edwin L. Jackson, Athens
- 2001: Edward J. Cashin, Augusta
- 2000: Malcolm Bell, Jr. (posthumous)
Sarah Nichols Pinckney Volunteer of the Year Award
This award recognizes individuals and groups who have selflessly contributed their time and resources to advance the mission of the Georgia Historical Society. It is named in honor of Sarah Pinckney, who for many years has given so generously of her time and resources to this organization. This merit-based award is given at the discretion of the Georgia Historical Society.
Previous Honorees
- 2024: David Mitchell, Atlanta
- 2023: Emily Cay, Savannah
- 2022: Janis Rodriguez, St. Simons Island
- 2021: AT&T Pioneers – NW Metro Council
- 2020: Dr. William T. Moore and Mrs. Linda T. Moore, Savannah
- 2019: Tony Parrott, Fayetteville
- 2018: Charlie Crawford, Brookhaven
- 2015: Tammie Mosely, Savannah
- 2014: Vincent J. Dooley, Athens
- 2013: Ellen B. Bolch, Savannah
- 2012: Edwin Jackson, Athens
- 2011: Paul M. Pressly, Savannah
- 2010: Buddy Sullivan, Richmond Hill
- 2009: The Savannah Jewish Archives, Savannah
- 2008: Archie H. Davis, Savannah
- 2007: Dolly Chisholm, Savannah
- 2006: Darlene Wilson, Savannah
- 2005: Lara Gill, Sumter Historic Trust
- 2004: Savannah Area Genealogical Association
- 2003: Leigh Lawless, Savannah
- 2002: Gordon Varnedoe & Harry Jennings, Savannah
- 2001: Rita Trotz, Savannah
- 2000: Lorraine Warlick, Savannah
- 1999: Robert Glenn, Savannah
Affiliate Chapter Awards
GHS recognizes an Affiliate Chapter of the Year for exceptional work in the field of public history.
Previous Winners
- 2024: Fayette County Historical Society
- 2023: Whitfield-Murray Historical Society
- 2022: Susie King Taylor Women’s Institute and Ecology Center
- 2021: Coastal Georgia Historical Society
- 2020: Bartow History Museum
- 2019: Lower Altamaha Historical Society
- 2018: Thronateeska Heritage Center
- 2017: The Columbus Museum
- 2016: The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History
- 2015: Historic Oakland Foundation, Inc.
- 2014: Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home Foundation
- 2013: Georgia Battlefields Association
- 2012: Dalton Civil War 150th Commission
- 2011: Old Capital Museum
- 2010: Historic Augusta
- 2009: Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute
- 2008: Stephens County Historical Society
- 2007: Thomas County Historical Society
- 2006: Augusta Canal Authority
- 2005: Georgia Public Broadcasting
- 2004: Cherokee County Historical Society
Publication Awards
GHS recognizes excellence in the research and writing of Georgia history through a variety of awards for scholars and writers. For more information on these programs, please view the Bell and Inscoe Awards.