Selection Process
The prize is awarded annually for the finest scholarly work in English that contributes to a greater understanding of the life of George Washington and/or the American founding era (c. 1760-1820). Although the Prize is generally awarded for a book, it may, in rare instances, be awarded for a documentary film or another scholarly pursuit. Publishers and authors are invited to submit books that meet these criteria.
The Prize is administered by seven trustees representing the sponsoring institutions: Washington College and the Gilder-Lehrman Institute of American History. Each year the committee appoints a jury of three historians or other qualified scholars who are asked to name three finalists, from which the committee selects the winning entry.
Submissions for the 2009 George Washington Book Prize must have a date of first publication between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008 (five copies are required). The submissions deadline for the 2009 Prize is December 1, 2008.
Submissions should be sent to:
C.V. Starr Center
C/O Washington Prize Coordinator
101 South Water Street
Chestertown MD 21620
