VCH Outstanding Contribution Awards

Since its foundation in 1899, the Victoria History of the Counties of England has been driven by a vast network of people dedicated to the project and its goals of completing the authoritative histories of English counties from the earliest times to the present day. In many ways, the VCH has always been a ‘crowdsourced’ project, long before this term came into general usage. Today, the project continues to be powered by the commitment, expertise, enterprise and energy of Trustees, researchers and authors, volunteers, and supporters across the country.

VCH Outstanding Contribution Awards are our way to recognise and honour exceptional contributions to the VCH, and to express our gratitude. Think of them as the ‘Gold Blue Peter Badge’ of the VCH world.

The VCH Outstanding Contribution Award is a specially-commissioned enamelled pin badge (which may be worn as a lapel badge, tie pin or brooch), which recognises exceptional achievement across any aspect of the VCH, and at any stage of the recipient’s ‘VCH career’, including:

• Dedication, service and enterprise in a voluntary VCH role (Trustee, Chair, supporter)
• Academic contribution (author, editor, researcher, advisor)
•  Engagement and outreach; innovative projects, partnerships, and development of the VCH

Please note that we intend to give out only a small number of these Awards, and they are intended to recognise truly exceptional contributions.

We plan to make calls for nominations annually. Occasionally (for example, at particular milestones), VCH Central Office may make an additional award.