The Treasury Historical Association (THA) is excited to announce a call for submissions for the 1500 Penn Prize. This annual award—named for the Treasury Department’s address adjacent to the White House—is given to a scholar or doctoral student who has published a journal article or completed a doctoral dissertation exploring any aspect of the Treasury’s role in American life in historical perspective, whose work has the potential to enhance the public’s awareness of the Treasury’s work, and who has made a significant contribution to their field of study.
Subjects may include (but are not limited to) the Treasury’s creation; the life and work of former Treasury secretaries and other officials; the history of specific agencies and bureaus within the Treasury; its architectural history; the Treasury’s growth as part of the administrative state; its work during moments of crisis including wartime and economic hardship; its relationship to other federal agencies and state governments; the emergence of the Treasury’s role in international finance; and tax policy and tariff policy in historical perspective.
The winner will receive an honorarium of $2500 and an invitation to present their research at the THA’s prestigious Financial Civics® lecture series in the historic Cash Room. Speakers have included former Secretaries of the Treasury and leading scholars. Funds for travel and accommodation may also be available.
The submissions deadline is February 15, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. The prize will be announced in April. The winner will deliver their lecture in September.
For more information about the prize, the THA, and to apply, please visit https://treasuryhistory.org/ the-1500-penn-prize/.