Montana Headwaters Book Prize

Hand crafted book ends displaying Charlie Russell's face on either side of a stack of old books.

The Montana Headwaters Book Prize is an annual award given to the author(s) of the best historical nonfiction book about Montana set substantially in the twentieth century or earlier. The Prize is funded by Larry Len and LeAnne Peterson and presented in partnership with the Montana Historical Society (MTHS). The award committee may also recognize and award authors for second place and third place each year. First-time authors are encouraged to apply. MTHS will announce the winner(s) on May 15, 2027.

Prizes will be presented at the 2027 Montana History Conference, held September 23-25, 2027, at the Great Northern Hotel in Helena, Montana. Attendance at the conference by the first place winner(s) is required.

Prize Information

First place goes to the author(s) of the best historical nonfiction book about Montana set substantially in the twentieth century or earlier. The award committee may also recognize and award authors for second place and third place each year.

First place:

$4,000 cash prize
Bronze reproduction of C. M. Russell bookends
Paid registration, lodging, and transportation to the 2027 Montana History Conference, held September 23-25, 2027, at the Great Northern Hotel in Helena, Montana. Attendance at the conference is required. Applicants that cannot attend the conference should not apply.

Second place:

$2,000 cash prize
Award plaque
Complimentary registration to the 2027 Montana History Conference. Attendance at the conference is strongly encouraged.

Third place:

$1,500 cash prize
Award plaque
Complimentary registration to the 2027 Montana History Conference. Attendance at the conference is strongly encouraged.

Eligibility Requirements

Books on events, persons, art, photography, places, developments, or other historical topics associated primarily with Montana set substantially in the twentieth century or earlier will be considered. First-time authors are encouraged to apply.

Additional Requirements:

Works must be first edition/first printing, full-length books of nonfiction written in English and assigned an ISBN
Books must have footnotes or endnotes, citations, a bibliographical essay, a bibliography, and/or an index to be considered
Books must be published during the 2026 calendar year
Authors or publishers can submit books
Self-published books are accepted
The author does not need to be a resident of Montana
Books published by the MTHS Press are eligible but must be submitted by the author and the author will receive the award
Single and joint authorship books are eligible
Compilations are eligible
Attendance at the 2027 Montana History Conference, September 23-25, 2027, at the Great Northern Hotel in Helena, Montana is required for the first-place winner(s) and is strongly encouraged for second and third places

Entry Information

The entry fee is $50.
Authors or publishers must complete and submit the online entry form.
Authors or publishers must submit six printed copies of the work to:
- Larry Len and LeAnne Peterson Library & Archives, Montana Historical Society, 225 North Roberts Street, PO BOX 201201, Helena, MT 59601.
- Selected books will be added to the library collection. No submission will have delivery acknowledged. Please use tracking when shipping.
Book submissions will be accepted between September 1, 2026, and January 31, 2027.

Entry Form

Judging Criteria

Judges on the award committee will evaluate submissions for the following criteria:

Physical attributes, including readability of font, attractiveness of design, quality and appropriateness of illustrations, and quality of printing.
Writing quality, including if the writing is engaging, readable, uses appropriate grammar and punctuation, and is accessible.
Evidence of original research or a new interpretation of historical events that changes the way we see things.
Evidence of research quality and historical accuracy.
Significance of contribution to Montana history.

Thank you for your interest in the Montana Headwaters Book Prize!

Please direct questions to mthsHeadwaters@mt.gov.