Kemper and Leila Williams Prize in Louisiana History

Administration and funding for the Kemper and Leila Williams Prize is provided by the Historic New Orleans Collection. The prize jury is appointed by the Louisiana Historical Association with a chairperson from the Historic New Orleans Collection. The prize includes a cash award of $1,500 and a plaque, presented each March.

The Williams Prize Committee invites nominations of eligible works published between January 1 and December 31, 2026. Works about all aspects of Louisiana history and culture are eligible, as are works placing Louisiana subjects in regional, national, or international context. The submission deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2026. 

Please submit the online form and mail five (5) copies of the nominated work for arrival by December 1, 2026, to: 

Chair, Williams Prize Committee 
The Historic New Orleans Collection 
410 Chartres Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-2179 

For books published between December 1 and December 31, 2026, only, a digital copy of the book may be submitted until print copies are available. Please submit a PDF file via the form below by the December 1 deadline, then mail five (5) copies to the address above as soon as available. 

If using a fulfillment service, please be cognizant of shipment timing. Submissions received past the deadline may not be included for consideration.