NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The National WWII Museum announced the creation of its annual Book Awards, which will recognize the most outstanding nonfiction books on WWII history published each year while supporting authors in their scholarly endeavors and promoting the field of WWII historical research.
The inaugural Book Awards will be bestowed upon works published in 2026.
“It is our hope that the Book Awards connect the Museum’s audience of lifelong learners to the field of WWII historical research and vast community of experts who continue to discover new stories from the war,” said Michael Bell, PhD, executive director of the museum’s Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy. “Ultimately, the goal of the Book Awards is to encourage greater interest in and understanding of WWII history.”
The announcement came on the opening day of the museum’s annual International Conference on World War II, which brings together scholars, authors, and historians to discuss the war that changed the world. The announcement and daily livestreaming of conference sessions can be viewed here.
Awards in two categories will celebrate English-language, nonfiction books for their impactful contributions to public discourse and understanding of World War II. The Best Book in WWII History Award will recognize the most outstanding work of the year, and the Best Debut Book in WWII History Award will recognize an excellent work from a first-time published author. Respective prizes of $50,000 and $10,000 will support awardees’ continued research, writing and contributions to the library of World War II.
Each award will have its own three-member selection committee consisting of leading scholars in the field of WWII history. This will include members of the Museum’s Presidential Counselors advisory group, experts from the Museum’s Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy, and members of the Museum’s broader network of scholars.
Starting in 2027, finalists and awardees will be announced each spring. Later in the year, the winning authors in both categories will participate in a public program at the Museum in New Orleans to discuss their work.
“The National WWII Museum has always strived to celebrate impactful new WWII scholarship, and through the Book Awards, we are excited to further our commitment to recognizing and supporting authors both new and established in this wide-ranging field,” said Stephen J. Watson, museum president & CEO.
The Book Awards program is among the new initiatives supported by the museum’s Victory’s Promise fundraising campaign, an effort aimed at expanding the institution’s educational outreach, renewing its commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of the WWII generation, and becoming the most accessible source for trusted knowledge on the American experience in World War II.
The submission window for the 2026 award is Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2026. Publishers must complete an online submission form for works to be considered. For more information on nomination criteria and the submission process, visit nationalww2museum.org/bookawards.
