Extraordinary individuals and organizations
are working throughout Washington State to ensure that the humanities
are a part of our lives.

The Humanities Washington Award, given in memory of Heather C. Frank of Yakima, recognizes outstanding and exemplary achievement in the public humanities. This award is presented annually to an individual or organization whose time and talents enlarge the meaning of the humanities in our lives and whose work reflects the spirit and programs of Humanities Washington.

Humanities Washington is delighted to announce that Lela Hilton
is the recipient of the 2007 Humanities Washington Award.

For more than 30 years, Humanities Washington, in collaboration with a wide range of cultural organizations, has supported public humanities programs throughout Washington. In 1995, Humanities Washington initiated an annual award memorializing Heather C. Frank of Yakima. Heather C. Frank was a dedicated and articulate supporter of the public humanities throughout her lifetime and gave generously of herself to a variety of cultural community activities. The award recognizes an individual or organization for outstanding achievement in the public humanities. Past recipients: Ron Chew (1995); Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center (1996); John Terrey (1997); Sherry Prowda (1998); Barbara Krohn (1999); Linda Jaech (2000); Delma Tayer (2001); Karen and Ralph Munro (2002); Nancy Pearl (2003); Tom Ikeda (2004); and Ruth Kirk (2005).

Criteria: The award is given to an individual or organization in the state of Washington who has demonstrated imaginative leadership in the humanities on a local, regional, or state level.  Through one or more humanities disciplines, recipients contribute extraordinary time, vision, creativity, or support for programs that increase public understanding of cultural heritage, community values, or humanity’s creative achievements. 

Learn about the past recipients of the Humanities Washington Award.


The Award: $1,000 given to support a public humanities project through an organization of the award recipient's choice.

The Jury: Nominations will be reviewed by a five-member jury comprised of current and former Humanities Washington Board Members.

Eligibility: The individual must reside in Washington State and organizations must operate in the state. Current trustees and staff of Humanities Washington are not eligible.

Nomination Procedure: Please send a letter (2 pages maximum) which includes the following:

• Nominee's name (please indicate whether nominee is organization or individual);
• Nominee's contact information; address, phone number, email. Please include a contact person should the nominee be an organization;
• Your name, address, and telephone number;
• A summary which describes the contribution and achievemnents of the nominee and the grounds upon which your nomination is made. Include information about nominee's background and connection with the humanities.

You may include up to three (3) pieces of support material, such as letters of recommendation.

If you are nominating more than one person, please complete separate letters for each.

If you know an individual or organization that promotes the public humanities in your community, please take a moment to make a nomination.

Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Nominations may be sent (by mail only) to:

Ted Lord, Executive Director,
Humanities Washington
615 Second Avenue, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98104-2200.


For more information, please contact at 206-682-1770.

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