Alamo Historical Society Book Award 2026

Alamo Historical Society Book Award

The Alamo Historical Society is proud to announce the establishment of the Alamo Historical

Society Book Award, an annual prize recognizing outstanding books that contribute to the

scholarship and understanding of the Texas Revolution and the Alamo. This award celebrates

the hard work, dedication, and scholarly excellence of authors who bring new insights into one

of the most significant periods in American history.

About the Award

  • Award Name: Alamo Historical Society Book Award

  • Prize: $1,000 and a commemorative plaque

  • Frequency: Annually

  • First Award Year: 2026

  • Award Ceremony: Presented at the Alamo Historical Society Annual Meeting each March

Purpose

The Alamo Historical Society Book Award aims to honor authors who have made significant contributions to the literature of the Texas Revolution and the Alamo. By recognizing outstanding works, the Society seeks to inspire further research, enrich historical understanding, and preserve the legacy of this pivotal period in history.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Subject Focus: Books must focus on the Texas Revolution and/or the Alamo.

  • Genre: Original nonfiction works, including biographies, historical analyses, and scholarly research, are eligible.

  • Exclusions: Self-published books and reprints of previously published works are not eligible.

  • Publication Date: Books must have been published within the eligibility period specified each year. – Books published between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024 are eligible for nomination.

  • Nomination: Only current members of the Alamo Historical Society can nominate books for consideration.

  • Nepotism Clause: To ensure fairness and impartiality, any book authored or co-authored by current or former members of the Alamo Historical Society Board of Directors who served during the publication eligibility period, as well as books authored by their direct relatives (including spouses, children, parents, or siblings), is not eligible for consideration for the award. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and transparency of the selection process.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee will assess eligible books based on the following criteria:

  • Historical Accuracy: Thorough research and factual precision are essential.

  • Contribution to the Field: The book should offer new insights or perspectives on the Texas Revolution and the Alamo.

  • Writing Quality: The work should be engaging, well-written, and accessible to a broad audience.

  • Originality: The book should present unique viewpoints or cover previously unexplored topics.

  • Impact: The work should contribute to the public’s understanding and appreciation of theTexas Revolution and the Alamo.

Nomination Process

  •  Who Can Nominate: Only current members of the Alamo Historical Society are eligible to submit nominations.

  •  How to Nominate: Members can nominate books by sending an email with the book’s details (title, author, publisher, and a brief description) to Doug McDonald at 1836ahs@gmail.com.

  • Nomination Period: Nominations will be accepted for a period of six months preceding the award year. – January 1 thru July 31, 2025 for the 2026 award year.

  • Questions: For any questions regarding the award or nomination process, please contact Doug McDonald at the email address above.

Award Presentation

The winner will be announced and honored at the Alamo Historical Society’s Annual Meeting in March. In addition to the $1,000 prize, the winning author will receive a commemorative plaque and recognition on the Society’s website and social media channels.

Contact Information

For more information on the Alamo Historical Society Book Award or to submit a nomination, please email:

Doug McDonald: 1836ahs@gmail.com