Now accepting submissions: The Leo Schelbert Award
The Leo Schelbert Award is given to the best submitted research paper and is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. The topic can be anything that relates to the mission of the Swiss American Historical Society (SAHS), which focuses on increasing an understanding of Swiss and/or Swiss-American history.
Dr. Leo Schelbert was an historian and professor emeritus at the University of Illinois–Chicago who died in 2022 at age 93. Dr. Schelbert was born in Kaltbrunn, Canton St. Gallen in 1929. He got his PhD from Columbia University and taught at the University of Illinois–Chicago from 1971–2003. Dr. Schelbert focused on Swiss emigration history, writing several books and an encyclopedia about Switzerland. Over five decades, he served as SAHS President (1975–1980) and was otherwise involved with publications as Editor-in-Chief, Co-Editor of the SAHS Review, and member of the editorial board for book publications. A great mentor and friend to many, he helped to ensure that the Swiss American Historical Society would grow and endure for years to come.
To submit a paper or to learn more, go to:
https://www.swiss-american-historical-society.org/leo-schelbert-award or Scan the below QR Code.
Please submit your paper through the below provided link (which goes to a Google Form):
https://tinyurl.com/schelbert2026
Your paper must be received no later than 12:00 PM ET on June 1st. Papers you have written for a class that connect to Swiss and/or Swiss-American history can be submitted (but may need revising before doing so). Be sure to review the paper guidelines and requirements on our website.
All submissions will be reviewed by a committee of the Swiss American Historical Society, and you will be notified by the end of July as to your status. The winner of the Leo Schelbert Award will receive the following:
$500 if American/CHF 500 if Swiss.
Your paper published in the SAHS Review.
One year complimentary SAHS membership.
An invitation to attend and present your paper at the annual meeting of the Swiss American Historical Society U.S. Chapter or Swiss Chapter (depending on where you live).