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Esther Billman Certificate of Excellence

The Esther Billman Certificate of Excellence award is given to a local or state historical society, museum, government agency, or an organization for a project contributing to the preservation and understanding of Alaska history during the past year. Esther Billman was the longtime curator of the Sheldon Jackson Museum and a leader in the preservation of Alaska history.  This award is not given every year.

2023
The Anchorage Park Foundation and the Native Village of Eklutna, with special recognition of Aaron Leggett for the Anchorage Indigenous Place Names Project
2022
Anchorage Museum for their commitment to preserving and presenting Alaska history and partnering with the Alaska Historical Society
2021
Gastineau Channel Historical Society, Gastineau Heritage News. Remarkable history of Juneau-Douglas breweries
2020
Gastineau Channel Historical Society, Gastineau Heritage News. Paula Johnson, Rich Mattson, Laury Scandling, Researchers/Writers
2019
Alutiiq Ancestors’ Memorial, Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository
2018
Rebecca Poulson, Chris Allan, Michael Hawfield, Karen Brewster, and Anna Lee Hirschi for the Alaska Treaty of Cession 150th Anniversary Commemoration Program
2016

Calista Elders Council of Calista Education and Culture, Inc. for two decades of publishing books illuminating Yup’ik culture and history
2015
Friends of Nike Site Summit, with special recognition of James F. Renkert, for dedicated work to preserve a significant Cold War property
2014
The Empty Chair Project, Juneau, Alaska
2012
Nick Golodoff, Rachel Mason, Frank Broderick for their collaborative work Attu Boy
2011
Anchorage Woman’s Club
2010
Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
2009
Eagle Historical Society
2007
Lake Clark & Katmai Parks and Preserves, National Park Service, Jeanne Schaaf, Chief of Cultural Resources
2006
Creating Alaska Project, University of Alaska Fairbanks (Karen Perdue, Ann Ringstad, Terrence Cole, Joseph Hardenbrook)
2005
Alaska’s Digital Archives, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage, and Alaska State Library
2004
Cook Inlet Historical Society
2003
Seward Centennial Commission & Historic Preservation Commission
2001
Juneau Pioneer Book Committee
2000
Alaska Gold Rush Centennial Programs OHA, Tourism, DOT&PF
1998 
Festival Fairbanks (William Wood)
1996
Alaska State Museum
1995
Eagle Historical Society
1994
Sitka Historical Society
1993
Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks (Marvin Falk)
1992
Fairbanks Historic Preservation Foundation
1991
Cook Inlet Historical Society
1989
Tongass Historical Society
1988
Delta Historical Society
1985
National Park Service
1984
Circle Historical Society
1983
Eagle Historical Society
1982
Center for Alaska Studies, Prince  William Sound Community College
1981
University of Alaska Museum
1979
Tanana-Yukon Historical Society