Nominations are now being accepted for the second annual History in Pennsylvania “HIP” Awards, which will be presented at the History Affiliates Reception on October 24, 2013. Nomination forms are available here.

The History Affiliates Reception recognizes excellence and innovation in the history and heritage community in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The reception will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Awards will be given for encouraging and fostering community interest and awareness in history in the following categories:

• Educational and Public Programs
• Stewardship, Care, or Interpretation of Historic Structures, Museum, and Archival Collections
• Partnership Projects
• Volunteer of the Year

The awards will honor volunteer-run, small, and mid-sized history and heritage organizations in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Awards will be presented in three organizational categories based on institutional size (all-volunteer, small, and mid-sized). History organizations are encouraged to nominate either themselves or their peer organizations for consideration. To be eligible, projects must have been completed between February 28, 2011, and February 28, 2013. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. May 17, 2013.

The HIP Awards are sponsored by History Affiliates, a program created by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and funded by The Barra Foundation. History Affiliates includes more than 300 organizations across Southeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to preserving local history. Members include small and mid-sized historical societies, museums, historic sites, libraries, and archives throughout Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.

The History Affiliates (HA) program connects these organizations to one another so they are better able to collaborate and leverage resources. Members receive access to professional development workshops, an online directory, and monthly newsletters with industry news. History Affiliates provides leadership for our region’s history and heritage organizations, giving them the tools and support they need to reach their goals. By working together, we will raise awareness of the importance of local history, advocate with a strong and unified voice, and strengthen our entire community.

For more information about History Affiliates, visit www.hsp.org/historyaffiliates.