Recognizing Research Excellence

The Society of Nineteenth Century Historians recognizes outstanding scholarship and research by conference participants. It is especially proud to applaud the work of budding journalism historians who qualify for the Sachsman Family Award for Student Achievement.

Society Award for Research

The Society of Nineteenth Century Historians recognizes top papers at its annual symposium with the Society Award for Research.

Past Winners

  • 2025 Honoree: Petra McGillen, Dartmouth College
    “Inglorious Resistance: The Opposition Press’s Exploitation of ‘Sitting Editors’ in Imperial Germany.”
  • 2024 Honoree: J. Jacob Calhoun, University of Virginia
    “‘Representatives of the Arch Destroyer Death’: Coroners and the Press in the Post Civil War South.”
  • 2024 Student Panel: Jordan Blazer, Taylor Pierce, Kailani-Lee D’Antuono, and Connor Mojo
    (Adviser: Professor John Navin, Coastal Carolina University)
    “Looking Outward, Looking Inward: Local, Regional, and National News as Reported in The Horry Dispatch, 1861-1862.”
  • 2023 Honoree: John J. Navin, Coastal Carolina University
    “Premature Burials: Free Lovers, Feminists, Spiritualists, and the Antebellum Press.”
2023 Society research honoree Dr. John Navin, Coastal Carolina University, with Symposium Co-Chair Simon Vodrey

Sachsman Family Award for Student Achievement

Established in 2024, the Sachsman Family Award honors budding media historians in recognition of Dr. David Sachsman’s legacy. The award is given to the top student paper presented at the annual symposium.

Past Winners

  • 2025 Honoree: Cole Roycroft, West Chester University
    “‘Old Rough and Ready’ Goes to Battle Against the Compromise.”
  • 2024 Honoree: Asher Lawrence, West Chester University
    “Evaluating the Sectarian Struggle for California in the Antebellum Press.”

Hazel Dicken Garcia Award

Named in honor of Dr. Hazel Dicken-Garcia, this award recognizes distinguished scholarship in the fields of journalism and Civil War history.

Past Winners

  • 2020: David W. Bulla, Augusta University

  • 2019: Bill Huntzicker (Independent Scholar) & Katrina J. Quinn, Slippery Rock University

  • 2017: David Sachsman, University of Tennessee Chattanooga

  • 2016: Brian Gabrial, Concordia University

  • 2015: Harold Holzer, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

  • 2012: Gregory Borchard, University of Nevada Las Vegas

  • 2011: W. Joseph Campbell, American University

  • 2010: Donald Shaw, University of North Carolina

  • 2009: Ford Risley, Pennsylvania State University

  • 2007: David Mindich, St. Michael’s College