Dr. David Moore (left), Joara Foundation’s executive archaeologist, examines artifacts an event at the History Museum of Burke County. He is the current NCSH Historian of the Year.
Dr. David Moore (left), Joara Foundation’s executive archaeologist, examines artifacts an event at the History Museum of Burke County. He is the current NCSH Historian of the Year.
The North Carolina Society of Historians is accepting nominations for its 2026 awards program, recognizing work that highlights the state’s history and heritage.
Deadline: June 30. Entries postmarked after that date will be considered for the 2027 awards cycle.
Authors do not have to live in North Carolina to enter, but each submission must clearly demonstrate a connection to the state’s history or heritage. Nominations may be submitted by individuals or on behalf of others, including organizations. Self-nominations are accepted.
Awards will be presented in the following categories:
History books
Journalism and publishing
Multimedia
Organizations
Museums
Outstanding history teachers and student historians doing exceptional history projects
Dr. David Moore, executive archaeologist with the Exploring Joara Foundation and a professor at Warren Wilson College, was the NCSH’s 2025 Historian of the Year.
Moore was recognized for his work preserving and promoting the Joara site, a significant Native American settlement in Burke County. He has spent 25 years working at the Berry site and directs its summer field school.
His archaeological work across North Carolina includes excavations at Hardaway, Warren Wilson, and Berry. He began work in the upper Catawba Valley in 1986 as part of his doctoral research.
Since 2008, the Exploring Joara Foundation has engaged the public in uncovering the region’s past through hands-on programs.
Joara was a major Mississippian culture settlement in present-day Burke County. Spanish explorers arrived there beginning in 1540 and built forts in the area, which were later destroyed by Native forces. The settlement was eventually abandoned. Archaeological research at the site began in the late 20th century and continues today.
Questions about the awards program may be directed to the organization’s president, Maxine McCall at ncshawards@gmail.com.
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