The Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award is a biennial honor bestowed on individuals who carry the torch of the humanities. These humanities heroes are nominated by Illinois mayors.
Every other year the IHC invites mayors throughout the state to nominate one individual (up to two in cities with populations of 100,000 or more) who has demonstrated a sustained and significant contribution to furthering public understanding of the humanities in their community. These unsung "humanities heroes" contribute to cultural life through projects related to historic preservation, heritage, adult and childhood education, and the study of arts or music.
Since 1999, nearly 400 recipients have been named. The communities that have participated in the program are as far south as Makanda and as far north as Waukegan. Of these recipients, the majority was involved in creating awareness about local and/or regional history in their communities through the establishment of historical societies or museums; others were noted for their outstanding dedication to education, formal and informal; to literacy and library programs; to creating awareness for cultural heritage, music, literature, and the arts. By recognizing their efforts, we also encourage others, notably local government, to pay a bit more attention to the humanities.
In local ceremonies, award recipients receive a medal designed especially for the awards program. The medals are struck in solid bronze by the Medallic Art Company -- the company that makes both the Pulitzer Prize and the Peabody Award -- and engraved with the names of the recipients and their communities. In addition, bios of all recipients are printed by the Illinois Humanities Council in a booklet, and all awardees and their Mayors or Village Presidents are invited to a biennial reception in Springfield or Chicago.
For names and communities of the previous Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award recipients, click the desired year to the right.
