Certificates of Merit
Writing or other production
This certificate recognizes a notable publication (print or online), a multi-media or digital project, or creation based in large part on archival resources found in Kentucky repositories. The nominated work should have been produced or published within the last five years prior to the nomination date. The award may be posthumous in the event of an author or creator’s death if the nominated work meets the criteria for date of production or publication.
- 2015 - Kentucky African-American Encyclopedia (award presented to editors Dr. John Hardin, Dr. Karen Cotton McDaniel, and Dr. Gerald Smith)
- 2013 - Dr. Samuel Thomas, The Architectural History of Louisville 1778-1900
- 2010 - Tom Kiffmeyer, Morehead State University
- 2006 - Cheryl Beckley, Western Kentucky University
- 2004 - Encyclopedia of Louisville (award presented to editor-in-chief Dr. John Kleber)
Teaching (all grade levels)
This certificate recognizes teaching excellence using archival resources found in Kentucky repositories. Teachers at all levels are eligible for this award.
- 2015 - Amanda Jo Runyon, University of Pikeville
Notable Service to and Advocacy for Archives in Kentucky by a private citizen or organization
This certificate recognizes a private citizen or organization for notable service to and advocacy of archives in the Commonwealth.
- 2025 - Amye Bensenhaver, Kentucky Open Government Coalition
- 2015 - David Williams, University of Louisville
- 2014 - Jack Fox, WHAS Radio Oral History Project, University of Louisville
- 2009 - Charles Castner, University of Louisville
- 2008 - Dr. Eugene Conner, Kornhauser Health Sciences Library, University of Louisville
Notable Service to and Advocacy for Archives in Kentucky by a public official
This certificate recognizes a public official (elected or appointed) for notable service to and advocacy of archives in the Commonwealth.
- 2025 - Kim Gills, Graves County Clerk
- 2015 - Mike Kem, Jodie Oglesby, and Betty Stites, Christian County Clerk and deputies
- 2014 - James Russell Harris, Kentucky Historical Society
- 2014 - Charlene Davis, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
- 2012 - Donna Baker, Morehead State University
- 2010 - Clara Potter Keyes, Morehead State University
- 2010 - Kandie Adkinson, Land Office Division, Kentucky Secretary of State’s office
- 2006 - James Nelson, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
- 2006 - Beverly Calvert, Allen County Clerk
- 2005 - Liz Damrell and Susan Lamb, Lexington/Fayette Urban County Government Council clerk and deputy
- 2004 - Frances Cotterill, Mason County Clerk
Significant Service as an Archivist
This certificate recognizes significant service as an archivist in a career in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The criteria for this award is noteworthy and continued service of twenty-five years or more in archival repositories in Kentucky.
- 2013 - Margaret Merrick, Presbyterian Church (USA)
- 2012 - Sister Emma Cecilia Busam, OSU, Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
- 2008 - William J. Marshall, University of Kentucky
- 2008 - Dr. William J. Morison, University of Louisville Archives
- 2008 - Mary E. Winter, Kentucky Historical Society
Thomas D. Clark Kentucky Archives Month Award
This certificate recognizes true merit, advocacy, and substantial contribution to the archival profession and field on a local, state, and national level.
- 2015 - Barbara Teague, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
- 2007 - Richard Belding, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
- 2005 - Dr. James C. Klotter, Georgetown College
- 2003 - Dr. Lowell H. Harrison, Western Kentucky University
- 2002 - Dr. Thomas D. Clark, Kentucky Historian
The deadline for submissions is September 1.
Submit a nomination online.
Alternatively, you may mail your nomination materials to:
State Historical Records Advisory Board
State Records Branch
PO Box 537
Frankfort, KY 40602-0537