Hay-Nicolay Dissertation Prize

The Abraham Lincoln Association (ALA) and the Abraham Lincoln Institute (ALI) invite nominations and submissions for the 2026 Hay-Nicolay Dissertation Prize, which includes a $1,000 honorarium.

Doctoral dissertations eligible for consideration must have been completed between 2023 and 2025. Preference will be given to submissions that directly focus on Abraham Lincoln, but studies that explore his historical, political, cultural, and social legacy in broader contexts—such as Civil War emancipation, Reconstruction, or Lincoln Administration policies regarding indigenous peoples—will also be considered. Comparative studies (e.g., leadership studies, biographies) that contain multiple Lincoln-related chapters, as well as research on figures traditionally associated with him, can also be accepted. Submissions should present new primary source evidence, offer innovative interpretations, and/or reassess or challenge previously established conclusions.

Dissertations composed in languages other than English from 2021 to 2025 are eligible for submission, provided they are translated and submitted in English.

Selection will be made by a joint ALA/ALI committee with the winner notified by January 2026. The recipient is expected to accept the award in person (with approved travel and accommodation costs reimbursed) either at the February 2026 ALA banquet in Springfield, Illinois, or the March 2026 ALI symposium at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.

Dissertations must be submitted by email as a PDF to Dr. Dan Monroe and Dr. David Gerleman. Please include Hay-Nicolay Dissertation Prize in the email subject heading.

Submissions must be received by 5:00pm Eastern Time on October 18, 2025.