2026 Gordon Olson Award nomination
Do you know someone who has helped write, record, or share West Michigan history? Would you like to help recognize an individual making especially creative, valuable, or thought-provoking contributions to our understanding of local history? Consider nominating them for the Kutsche Office of Local History’s 2026 Gordon Olson Award.
The Gordon Olson Award recognizes individuals whose work embodies the Kutsche Office’s mission of “using history to give voice to diverse communities.” We celebrate those who help facilitate our understanding of the past and those who are documenting history as it happens in the present. Nominations are open to anyone, from historians, librarians, and genealogists, to journalists, artists, and community organizers. Winners receive a monetary award, plaque, recognition at our Annual Local History Roundtable, and GVSU media coverage for their work.
The deadline for submitting nominations is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 16th, 2026.
Established in 2014, the Gordon Olson Award is given once per year. Named in honor of Gordon Olson, former Grand Rapids City Historian and inaugural President of the Kutsche Office of Local History's Advisory Council, Olson's books, leadership, programming, mentorship, and advocacy have inspired generations of West Michigan residents.
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