The Association for Gravestone Studies

HARRIETTE MERRIFIELD FORBES AWARD
NOMINATION APPLICATION

Background on The Association for Gravestone Studies (AGS)
The AGS, a non-profit Association, was founded in 1977 for the purpose of furthering the study and preservation of gravemarkers of all periods and styles. Through its publications, conferences, workshops, and exhibits AGS promotes the study of gravestones from historical and artistic perspectives, expands public awareness of the significance of historic gravemarkers and cemeteries, and encourages individuals and groups that have similar interests.

AGS members include amateurs and professionals as well as public and private groups active in the fields of history, genealogy, anthropology, art history, religion, folk art, commemorative art, and historic preservation.

Mission Statement: The mission of AGS is to foster appreciation of the cultural significance of gravestones and burying grounds through their study and preservation.

Background on the Forbes Award
At the first annual conference of the Association for Gravestone Studies, it was resolved that an award should be made periodically by the AGS Board of Trustees to honor either an individual, institution or organization in recognition of exceptional service to the field of gravestone studies. As of January 2000 twenty-three people and one organization have received the award.

The award is named for Mrs. Forbes who photographed gravestones and studied their carvers in the early 1900s. In 1927 she published a book titled Gravestones of Early New England and the Men Who Made Them, which was the first serious study of gravestones in the twentieth century.

Except in instances when the award is made posthumously, the recipient must be present at the Awards Ceremony to accept it; therefore, all expenses at the conference site are waived for the recipient for the entire conference. The presentation is usually made at the Awards Banquet during the Annual Conference. A reception precedes the banquet at which the recipient is the guest of honor. The President makes a presentation speech indicating why the person or organization was chosen and giving a summary of the work accomplished. A framed certificate is presented along with a photograph of Harriette Merrifield Forbes. The recipient usually gives an acceptance speech.

Award Consideration
It recognizes outstanding contributions in any area or combination of areas, such as gravestone carver attribution, gravestone conservation, gravestone art, gravestone geology, exhibitions relating to gravestones, and computer programming for gravestone study; also the historical, archaeological, genealogical, or religious significance of gravestones. Other acceptable subject areas are the iconography, poetry, language, and lettering on gravestones. The work may be in many forms, such as research, writing, taping, photography, interpretative editing, organizational leadership, legislation, financial assistance, and teaching.

Deadline
The deadline for nominations for the Forbes Award is December 1 each year. At the January meeting of the Board of Trustees, the Board selects the recipient for the coming conference in June.

Please mail or deliver submissions to:

Forbes Award Nominations
The Association for Gravestone Studies
Greenfield Corporate Center
101 Munson Street - Suite 108
Greenfield, MA 01301

Submission Requirements
In addition to the Nomination Application Form, please include any of the following that may apply: Newspaper or Magazine articles; Photographs or Slides (in the case of preservation projects please include a detail of the methodology used as well as before and after photos); Videos; samples of Computer Programs; Testimonials as well as any other supporting evidence that would be helpful to the Awards Committee. All submitted material becomes the property of the AGS and will not be returned.

Nomination Application

HARRIETTE MERRIFIELD FORBES AWARD NOMINATION APPLICATION
ASSOCIATION FOR GRAVESTONE STUDIES
(This form MUST accompany all nominations)

Nomination Type:
Organizational
Individual

Please fill out the corresponding Nominee Information (Individual or Organizational)

Individual Nominee Information

Name of Nominee:

Home Address:

Telephone:

E-mail:

Affiliated Organization and address (if any):

Address:

Organizational Nominee Information

Name of Organization:

Organization Address:

Telephone:

E-mail:

Contact Person:

Contact Address:

Contact Phone:

Contact E-mail:

Nominator Information

Name of Nominator (contact person):

Name of Organization (if any):

Address:

Phone:

E-mail:

Nominator's Signature (please sign with e-mail address):

Date:

Description of Achievement

Please describe the reasons for making the nomination. Included in the nomination, but not limited to, should be the following: How does the nominee's work or achievement reflect the AGS mission statement? How does this work or achievement benefit the community? What, if any, are the lasting contributions to the field of gravestone study and preservation made by the nominee?

Please describe or include any media coverage of the achievement.

If possible, please have the local Historical Society or Preservation Commission comment on the significance of the achievement. Please make sure that they include both the nominee and nominator's name.

Questions? Please email us at info@gravestonestudies.org

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