Established by the federal Constitution in 1789, the United States Department of the Treasury has played an integral role in America’s past and in the lives of people across the country.
We invite scholars and students to apply for The 1500 Penn Prize to advance the public’s understanding of the Treasury’s role in American life, and to further the Treasury Historical Association’s Financial Civics® mission. This award — named for Treasury’s address adjacent to the White House — is given to a scholar or doctoral student whose research explores any aspect of the Treasury’s role in American life in historical perspective, that has the potential to enhance the public’s awareness of the Treasury Department’s work, and that makes a significant contribution to their field of study.
The winner will receive a $2,500 honorarium as well as an invitation to deliver the Distinguished Lecture in Financial Civics® in the historic Cash Room. Past speakers include former Secretaries of the Treasury and leading scholars. We may also cover travel and accommodation expenses at the discretion of the THA Treasurer.
Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of THA board members, Treasury officials, and other scholars.
Eligible submissions should be a published peer-reviewed journal article, a book chapter, or a chapter from a published doctoral dissertation.
Submissions that cover any period of American history, as well as any aspect of the Treasury’s past.