Awards

In 2025, papers presented at the April Arizona History Mini Conference in Tempe and at the September New Mexico-Arizona Joint History Convention in Las Cruces are eligible for conference awards.

Papers presented at the April conference should be submitted by April 30, 2025. 

Papers for the September convention should submit by August 15, 2025. 

Please submit your papers to us at: info@arizonahistory.org

As always, highest priority will be given to papers that demonstrate original research using primary sources, and all papers must be footnoted.

A presenter is only eligible to win only one award each year and may not present at both conferences.  

Barry M. Goldwater Award

The top conference prize for best overall paper addressing Arizona History is offered in honor of the late Senator Barry Goldwater. All accepted papers are eligible for the $500 prize.

Valeen T. Avery Collegiate Award

A $250 prize will be awarded to the best paper on an Arizona topic by a college student (either graduate or undergraduate). Avery was a beloved professor at Northern Arizona University and this prize was established by her students.  Please indicate your advising professor and institution on the completed paper. 

Don Bufkin Award

A $250 prize goes to the best paper on Arizona's territorial period or its geography. All accepted papers are eligible. Bufkin was a reknowned geographer and this award was created to honor him in 1994 after his passing.