NEH Solicits Nominees for 2010 Jefferson Lecturer

Each year the National Endowment for the Humanities recognizes an outstanding scholar to deliver the Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities. The lectureship is the highest honor the federal government bestows for achievement in the humanities. NEH is currently accepting nominations for the 2010 lectureship. Nominations must be received by Wednesday, June 24, 2009.

Created by NEH in 1972 to honor the intellectual and civic virtues exemplified by Thomas Jefferson, the lectureship recognizes distinguished contributions to the humanities and provides an occasion to communicate the knowledge and wisdom of the humanities before a broad general audience. The lecturer is expected to give an original and substantive address that is of interest to both scholars and the lay public. The award carries a $10,000 honorarium.

Nominees for the lectureship should be persons who have made significant scholarly contributions to the humanities and who have the ability to communicate the knowledge and wisdom of the humanities in a broadly appealing way.

Self-nominations are not permitted. NEH suggests consulting the list of past recipients before submitting a nomination.

The lecturer is selected by the NEH chairman with the advice of the National Council on the Humanities. A special committee of the National Council considers the nominees and recommends a list of finalists for consideration by the full National Council and the NEH Chairman.

Nominations may be submitting using the online form by clicking here.

You may also submit nominations via e-mail (jefflect@neh.gov), fax (202-606-8619), or by regular mail to Jefferson Lecture Nominations, Room 403, NEH, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20506.