NJCH’s Stanley N. Katz Prize for Excellence in Public Humanities takes center stage in a new column about Stan by longtime Princeton-area chronicler Pam Hersh. As announced late last year, the Katz Prize will be awarded annually to an organization that has demonstrated significant engagement with and impact through community-focused public humanities work in New Jersey.

Stan’s 37 years as a member of NJCH’s board makes him our longest serving board member, including several years as chair. He has influenced thousands through his work as a faculty member at Princeton University, scholar, public historian, and advocate for the humanities.

“NJCH’s longtime leader, Stan Katz, helped shape the Council as an organization that works with scholars across disciplines to serve the New Jersey public, recognizing that public humanities help us bridge divides, promote civic engagement, and give a voice to all members of our society. In this important moment for the public humanities, we hope naming our award honors his commitment to public humanities and ensures a better future for our communities,” said NJCH board chair Dan Fatton.

Information about the nomination process for the inaugural Katz Prize will be shared on May 18 during NJCH’s virtual event, “Examining the Impact of Public Humanities Organizations in the Garden State.”

In addition to announcing information about the Katz Prize, the event will feature the stories of several prior NJCH grantees, including Bayshore Center at Bivalve, Newark Museum of Art, People & Stories / Gente y Cuentos, Raíces Cultural Center, and Vietnamese Boat People. The event is part of the Council’s 50th Anniversary event series. The virtual event is free and open to all. Attendees must register via Eventbrite.

Click here to read the full column.