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The Miles and Bancroft Awards—Who Just Won, and How to Apply
Through the generosity and foresight of two Colorado women, History Colorado recognizes—with an annual awards program—those who’ve significantly advanced Colorado history.
One of those women, Caroline Bancroft, was a colorful figure born into the upper echelon of Colorado society. Granddaughter of the co-founder of what’s now History Colorado, Bancroft authored many popular booklets on the state’s history.
The other, Josephine H. Miles, was the daughter of Colorado pioneers. Proud of her heritage, Miles was an active member of the Territorial Daughters of Colorado and a longtime History Colorado volunteer.
Both women chose to support Colorado history through bequests that established annual cash awards. The Caroline Bancroft History Project Award was initiated in 1987 and the Josephine H. Miles History Award followed in 1998. The awards are differentiated by the communities served, with the Bancroft Award restricted to nominations from communities with fewer than 50,000 residents. Like the women themselves, the winners for 2018 are diverse.
2018 Bancroft and Miles Awards Announced
History Colorado annually gives two cash awards for major contributions to the advancement of Colorado history. The Caroline Bancroft History Project Award is given for projects in communities with populations under 50,000. The Josephine H. Miles History Award may go to a project in any size community.
The 2018 Josephine H. Miles Award went to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Paleocultural Research Group for the Magic Mountain Community Archaeology Project. An honorable mention went to the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center for the "Storytelling" education program. The Caroline Bancroft Award has gone to the Emily Warner Field Aviation Museum for their youth community aviation history education programs.
Announcement: 2019 Bancroft and Miles History Awards
Are you or your organization working on a historical project? Do you know local historians who deserve recognition? History Colorado annually gives two cash awards to individuals, organizations or museums in Colorado municipalities that have made a major contribution to the advancement of Colorado history. The Caroline Bancroft History Project Award is given for projects in communities with populations under 50,000. The Josephine H. Miles History Award may go to a project in any size community. To qualify for a 2019 award, the project must have occurred, been presented or been completed between August 1, 2018, and July 31, 2019. Submissions must be postmarked or emailed by September 30, 2019.
For details or an application package, contact us at 303/866-2306 or curator@state.co.us. If emailing, please put “Miles Bancroft Awards” in the subject line.