The Rawlings Prize

The Rawlings Prize honors Mary Norris Rawlings (1873–1960), an author and founding member of the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society who was widely recognized as an authority on local history. The Rawlings Prize, an award of up to $1,000, is given for an outstanding recording and interpretation of the history of Charlottesville or Albemarle County. The amount and number of prizes awarded will be determined by the Publications’ Committee each year. (The Publications’ Committee also reserves the right, of course, not to award the Rawlings Prize during any given year.) Previously reserved for only those affiliated with the University of Virginia, the Rawlings Prize competition is now open to everyone. For this reason, all submissions to The Magazine will be considered for the Rawlings Prize.

Recent winners include essays by Professor David L. Vander Meulen (University of Virginia English Department) on the history of the Bibliographical Society of the University of Virginia, and Robert F. Haggard (Papers of George Washington) on Samuel Miller and the founding of the Miller School of Albemarle County.

Competition Rules

1. The competition is open to all.

2. Manuscripts must be postmarked no later than June 1st, 2008.

3. Articles submitted must not have been published elsewhere. Submissions must be accompanied by a letter which: 1) includes the author’s (or authors’) complete contact information including phone number and e-mail address; and 2) includes a statement granting publication rights to the ACHS. (Note that once publication rights have been granted they may not be withdrawn.)

4. Submissions must be typed double-spaced on white 8.5” by 11” paper. Please note that The Magazine uses endnotes, rather than footnotes. Photocopies of suggested illustrations are welcomed and it is helpful if sources for illustrations are cited. The Chicago Manual of Style (13th edition or later) is recommended as the style reference. While articles of any length will be considered, tightly written, shorter pieces (of 5,000 words or less) will be given priority.

5. All manuscripts will be received by the editor of the Magazine of Albemarle County History for possible inclusion in that journal in accordance with its normal selection and editing procedures.

6. All those who submit entries will be notified of the contest outcome in November.

7. A committee of judges appointed by the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society will select the winning paper(s) on the basis of: a. originality of the contribution, b. literary excellence, and, c. significance of the contribution to the historical record. It is strongly urged that the work submitted be refined into an article suitable for publication.

8. Entries should be mailed to:

The Magazine of Albemarle County History
Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society
200 Second St. NE
Charlottesville, VA 22902