Selection Process
The prize is awarded annually for the finest scholarly work in English that contributes to a greater understanding of the American founding era (c. 1760-1820). Publishers and authors are invited to submit books that meet these criteria.
The $50,000 Prize is sponsored by Washington College, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Each year the sponsors appoint a jury of three historians or other qualified scholars who are asked to name three finalists. The finalists are announced at Washington College on George Washington’s birthday. Then a committee made up of two representatives of each of the three sponsoring institutions, plus an independent historian who serves as tie-breaker, reviews the finalists and chooses a winner. The winner is announced at a gala dinner honoring the finalists at Mount Vernon in May.
Submissions for the 2013 George Washington Book Prize must have a date of first publication between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 (five copies are required). The submissions deadline for the 2012 Prize is November 30, 2012.
Submissions should be sent to:
George Washington Book Prize
101 South Water Street
Chestertown MD 21620
