Joan Paterson Kerr Award

The Joan Paterson Kerr Award is presented annually by the Western History Association for the best illustrated book on the history of the American West. The award recognizes outstanding scholarship and visual presentation in books focused on Western American history. A $500 prize is awarded to the author or editor of the winning book, and a certificate is presented to the publishing press. Books must have the current year copyright date to be eligible for consideration. This prestigious award honors the legacy of Joan Paterson Kerr, a founding picture editor of American Heritage magazine and respected editor and author who specialized in pictorial history. The award is part of the Western History Association's broader mission to support and recognize excellence in scholarship, teaching, and public education related to the American West.