The Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award was created to recognize individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the cultural life of their communities. Suitable nominees are the types of people who keep the doors to the historical society open, read books to children after school, and draw connections between the past and future of their communities.

The Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award is awarded biennially. The 2009 nomination packets will be sent to Mayors in late summer 2009. The 2009 recipients will be announced in late October or early November.

Only Mayors or Village Presidents may select nominees and complete the nomination form. These nominations are then certified by the Illinois Humanities Council. Application packets are sent to mayors, village presidents, and city clerks in August of award years.

If you know a "humanities hero" in your community that you would like recognized, please contact your Mayor's office.

Communities with a population of more than 100,000 are eligible to nominate up to three individuals from their community.