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 2004 nomination packets were sent to Mayors in early summer 2004. Deadline for nominations was August 23, 2004, and the 2004 recipients were announced in late September; their bios may can be accessed through the "Bios" link on this page.

Applications are not available on this page. 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. The next award year is 2006.