Beverly Purrington/Richard White Dissertation Prize

The Western History Association recognizes the best dissertation on the history of the North American West, in its varied aspects and broadest sense. The prize consists of a $500 award to the recipient. To be eligible, the dissertation should be defended and filed in the preceding calendar year. For example, all dissertations defended and filed in 2025 will be eligible for the 2026 prize. Authors of eligible dissertations must be a member of the WHA at the time of submission. Applicants should send a cover letter with contact information and the dissertation with an abstract in one PDF file to each member of the committee.