Nancy Hanks Memorial Awards for Rising Stars
To highlight and celebrate the vital role that museum workers play in building thriving museums, strong communities, and a better world, the Nancy Hanks Memorial Awards for Rising Stars recognize museum professionals who have ten years of experience or less in the field who are making an impact in their institutions, communities, and the museum field. Multiple individuals may be recognized in a given year. Applications are due by December 4, 2026.
Eligibility
Nominee should have ten years or less of experience in the museum field at the time of submission
Nominee must be active in the museum field through current employment, volunteer service, and/or enrollment in an academic museum program.
Nominee may be from or based in any country but must demonstrate contributions to US museum(s) and/or the US museum field.
Self-nominations are accepted. If submitting a self-nomination, two letters of recommendation are required in the application form.
Nominee's Contact Information
Please complete the following information about the individual you are nominating for recognition.
Nominee's Name
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First Name
Last Name
Nominee's Job Title / Position
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Nominee's Organization
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Nominee's Address
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Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
State / Province
Postal / Zip Code
Nominee's Email
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example@example.com
Nominee's Phone Number
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Please enter a valid phone number.
Format: (000) 000-0000.
About the Nominee
Please submit a compelling narrative summary of why the nominee deserves to be recognized, outlining the specific nature, outcomes (including any available data), and impact of the nominee’s work or achievement.
Narrative Summary (250-word maximum)
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0/250
How many years has the nominee worked in the museum field?
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Is this a self-nomination?
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No
If you are submitting a self-nomination, please submit two letters of recommendation (500 words max.).
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Your Contact Information
If you are nominating a colleague (as opposed to a self-nomination), please provide your contact information so that we can communicate with you about award decisions. We will not contact the nominee unless they have been selected to receive an award.
Your Name
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First Name
Last Name
Job Title / Position
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Organization
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Email
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example@example.com
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