History and Purpose of Awards

Each year, the Arizona Humanities Council honors individuals, organizations, or businesses for their contribution and advancement of the humanities.

Dan Shilling Public Humanities Scholar History

• 2012 - Nancy Dallet, Ph.D., School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, Arizona State University
• 2012 - Elena Diaz Bjorkquist, Southwest Institute for Research on Women, University of Arizona
• 2010 - Celestino Fernández, Ph.D., Department of Sociology, University of Arizona
• 2009 - Charles Tatum, Ph.D., Dept. of Spanish & Portuguese, University of Arizona
• 2007 - Karen J. Leong, Ph.D., Director, Asian Pacific American Studies, Arizona State University
• 2006 - Laura Tohe, Ph.D., Department of English, Arizona State University
• 2005 - Matthew Whitaker, Ph.D., Department of History, Arizona State University
• 2004 - Mary Melcher, Ph.D., Arizona Historical Society
  
• 2003 - Judy Nolte Temple, Ph.D., Department of English & Women's Studies, University of Arizona
  
• 2002 - Elizabeth Larson-Keagy, Ph.D., Cultural Geographer, Arizona State University
  
• 2001 - Neal A. Lester, Ph.D., Department of English, Arizona State University
  
• 2000 - Patricia Preciado Martin, author
  
• 1999 - Peter Iverson, Ph.D., Department of History, Arizona State University
  
• 1998 - L. Chris Smith, Ph.D., Department of History, Arizona State University
  
• 1996 - Joann Kealiinohomoku, Ph.D., Ethnomusicologist, Cross Cultural Dance Resources
  
• 1995 - Christine Marin, Ph.D., Archivist, Arizona State University Libraries
  
• 1994 - Jay Cravath, Ph.D., Musician and School Teacher, Parker
  
• 1993 - Robert Trennert, Ph.D., Department of History, Arizona State University
  
• 1992 - James Griffith, Ph.D., Southwest Folklore Center, University of Arizona (Special Recognition: Isidore Starr)
  
• 1991 - Mary L. Rothschild, Ph.D., Department of History, Arizona State University
  
• 1990 - James Byrkit, Ph.D., Department of History, Northern Arizona University History

Juliana Yoder Friend of the Humanities History

• 2012 - Arizona Town Hall
• 2010 - William Fry, Ph.D.
• 2009 - Winifred Bundy, Singing Wind Bookshop
  
• 2007 – Changing Hands Bookstore
  
• 2006 - Arizona Office of Tourism
  
• 2005 - James R. Carruthers, Ed.D.
  
• 2004 - Noel Stowe, Ph.D., Department of History, Arizona State University
  
• 2003 - KAET-TV, Channel 8
  
• 2002 - Salt River Project
  
• 2001 - Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records
  
• 2000 - The Arizona Republic and Jack W. Whiteman (posthumous award)
  
• 1999 - Arizona State Representative Carolyn Allen and United States Congressman Jim Kolbe
  
• 1998 - Elsa Paine Mulhern

Distinguished Organizations History

In prior years, AHC recognized community organizations that had demonstrated outstanding commitment to lifelong learning through their  enduring relationship with AHC. The following organizations were so honored:

• 2007 – Pima County Library
  
• 2006 - Phoenix Burton Barr Central Library
  
• 2005 - Museum Association of Arizona
  
• 2004 - Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott
  
• 2003 - Hassayampa Institute for Creative Writing at Yavapai College
  
• 2002 - Center for Desert Archaeology, Tucson
  
• 2001 - Historic Sahuaro Ranch Foundation, Glendale
  
• 2000 - Parker Public Library
  
• 1999 - Arizona Historical Society, Southern Arizona Division
  
• 1998 - Scottsdale Cultural Council
  
• 1996 - Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
  
• 1995 - Arizona State Museum
  
• 1994 - The Heard Museum
  
• 1993 - Yuma County Library District
  
• 1992 - Mohave Museum of History and Arts
  
• 1991 - Casa Grande Valley Historical Society Museum
  
• 1990 - Glendale Public Library, Apache Junction Public Library (co-recipients)