The Western History Association recognizes the best dissertation on the history of the North American West, in its varied aspects and broadest sense. The prize consists of a $500 award to the recipient. To be eligible, the dissertation should be defended and filed in the preceding calendar year. (For example, all dissertations defended and filed in 2024 will be eligible for the 2025 prize.)  Authors of eligible dissertations must be a member of the WHA at the time of submission.

For the 2025 award cycle, eligible applicants should send the following in *one pdf file* to each member of the committee (please use your last name in the title of the pdf file and put "WHA Purrington/White Dissertation Award" in the email subject line).

1. a cover letter with contact information including name, affiliation, and preferred email address and
2. the dissertation, which should include an abstract. 

-2025 Awards Cycle opens January 15, 2025

-2025 Award Submission Deadline: April 15, 2025

The WHA office will notify the selected award recipient by the end of August.

RESTURN TO AWARDS