The Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ also offers the Wilcomb E. Washburn Delmarva History Prize for outstanding historical scholarship concerning the Delmarva Peninsula. This prize is made possible through an endowment created by the W.F. Donner Foundation in honor of the late Wilcomb E. Washburn, Ph.D., a distinguished historian of the Smithsonian Institution and resident of Somerset County, MD.
Dr. Washburn was very impressed with scholarly endeavors, in particular with primary sources and the care and preservation of original documents. Among its holdings, the Nabb Research Center holds originals and copies of the public records of the Delmarva Peninsula, the oldest continuous records in British-speaking America, going back to 1632. Dr. Washburn was quick to recognize the value of the educational nature of the Research Center which had been established.
Essays will be judged upon the following criteria:
- Any person, group of persons, organization, government agency, school (secondary or college).
- Members of the Board of Directors of the Nabb Research Center are not eligible.
- Contribution must focus on history of the Chesapeake area with special emphasis on the Delmarva Peninsula.
- Subject matter of monographs and papers must be prior to 1950.
- Applicants must display a commitment to scholarship, historical accuracy and use of primary sources.
Examples
Author of historical text, study of material culture, preservation of historic sites, re-creation of an historical event, exhibits at museums or historical societies, educational programs for students or adults, historical archeology or creation of historic districts.
To submit for consideration:
- Please include a cover letter with the following information:
- Proposed text/project to receive consideration
- Name of individual responsible, including mailing address, phone number and/or email
- Person to contact for additional information, including address, phone number and/or email
- Date you are submitting application
- Send two typed copies or e-mail research paper to the Nabb Research Center at nabbcenter@salisbury.edu or the History Department administrative assistant, Melissa Hampton at mjhampton@salisbury.edu, Holloway Hall 338, or remit to Nabb Research Center, 1101 Camden Avenue, ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥, MD 21801.
- Deadline: Deadline: March 1, 2025
If you are nominating an individual for the prize, please make sure to include your name, address, and telephone. Your cover letter must include your signature.
With the cover letter, submit a written report justifying why an award should be granted. Applicants are permitted to submit photos and and/or previously prepared materials when appropriate in addition to the essay. Applicants should describe the project's commitment to historical accuracy and innovation.
*Completed research papers may be submitted from past ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ courses or semesters.