The Chester Penn Higby Prize
In the realm of academic historical research, few honors carry the prestige of the Chester Penn Higby Prize. Established to recognize outstanding scholarship, this award celebrates the highest quality of research published in one of the field's most respected academic journals.
The Legacy of Chester Penn Higby
The prize is named after Chester Penn Higby (1886–1966), a distinguished historian who left a lasting mark on the study of modern history. Higby was a member of the history faculty at the University of Wisconsin–Madison for nearly three decades, serving from 1927 to 1956.
Beyond his teaching, Higby was a pivotal figure in professionalizing the discipline. He was one of the founders of the Journal of Modern History and served as the inaugural president of the Modern European History Section of the American Historical Association, the primary professional organization for historians in the United States.
Establishment and Purpose of the Prize
Following Higby's retirement, a group of his former students sought to honor his contributions to the field. They established a trust fund specifically designed to provide a cash prize for the best article published in the Journal of Modern History.
The award serves as a benchmark for excellence, encouraging historians to produce rigorous, insightful, and impactful work that advances the understanding of modern history.
Award Cycle and Notable Recipients
The Chester Penn Higby Prize is not an annual occurrence; instead, it is awarded during even-numbered years. This biennial cycle ensures that the selection process remains highly competitive and focused on the most exceptional contributions to the journal.
Over the years, the prize has been granted to several prominent scholars. Notable past winners include Jan E. Goldstein, William W. Hagen, Susan Pedersen, and Heinrich August Winkler.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Named After | Chester Penn Higby (1886–1966) |
| Associated Journal | Journal of Modern History |
| Award Frequency | Even-numbered years |
| Funding Source | Trust fund established by former students |
| Primary Focus | Best published article in the journal |
Key Facts
- Chester Penn Higby taught at the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 1927 to 1956.
- Higby co-founded the Journal of Modern History.
- He was the first president of the American Historical Association's Modern European History Section.
- The prize is a cash award funded by a trust created by Higby's former students.
- The award is presented every two years (even-numbered years).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chester Penn Higby?
Chester Penn Higby was a historian and faculty member at the University of Wisconsin–Madison (1927–1956), a founder of the Journal of Modern History, and the first president of the Modern European History Section of the American Historical Association.
How often is the Chester Penn Higby Prize awarded?
The prize is awarded biennially, specifically during even-numbered years.
What is the criteria for winning the prize?
The prize is awarded to the author of the best article published in the Journal of Modern History.
Who funded the creation of this prize?
The prize was funded by a trust established by several of Chester Penn Higby's former students upon his retirement.
Who are some of the past winners of the award?
Past recipients include distinguished historians such as Jan E. Goldstein, William W. Hagen, Susan Pedersen, and Heinrich August Winkler.