[Archaeological Institute of America](https://www.archaeological.org)

February 1, 2026 (Nomination submission deadline)

Recognition award; no direct monetary prize specified.

Annual award honoring outstanding non-fiction books that make archaeology accessible and exciting for the general public.

--- ## Description The Felicia A. Holton Book Award is presented annually to a writer or writers whose major non-fiction work vividly conveys the importance and excitement of archaeology to the general public. Jointly sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) and the Center for American Archeology, the award recognizes books that are accessible, engaging, well-researched, and provide new insights for an adult lay audience. The award may also occasionally be given for lifetime achievement in non-fiction popular writing related to archaeology. The aim is to highlight works that not only responsibly present archaeological discoveries but also stimulate broader public interest and understanding in the field. --- ## Due Dates - February 1, 2026: Nomination submission deadline (Felicia A. Holton Book Award) --- ## Funding Amount - The award is a recognition honor; there is no direct monetary prize specified. - Winners are celebrated at the AIA Awards Ceremony in January following the award decision. --- ## Eligibility - The nominated work must be a major non-fiction book focused on archaeology, written in English, and available in the United States and Canada. - The book must have been published within three calendar years prior to (not including) the award year (for the 2026 award, books published in 2023, 2024, or 2025 are eligible). - Books authored by current members of the Governing Board of the AIA, the Center for American Archeology (CAA), or the Holton Book Award Committee are not eligible. - Books may only be submitted for the award once unless specifically requested by the Committee. - The award may also be given for lifetime achievement in non-fiction popular writing related to archaeology. --- ## Application Process - Nominations may be submitted by authors, publishers, or AIA members by completing the [Nomination Form](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/applications/holton-book-award/). - The nomination should explain how the book fulfills the award guidelines. - Individual AIA members nominating a book are not required to submit review copies; the AIA office will contact the publisher directly if needed. - The Holton Book Award Committee reviews nominations and makes a decision by October, which is then approved by the AIA’s Governing Board. - Nominators are notified of the outcome in November, and the winner is honored at the AIA Awards Ceremony in January. --- ## Additional Information - This is a prestigious recognition within the archaeological and public humanities community, with past recipients including well-known authors and scholars. - The award highlights works that bridge the gap between academic archaeology and the general public, fostering greater appreciation and understanding of the discipline. --- ## External Links - [Felicia A. Holton Book Award Program Page](https://www.archaeological.org/grant/holton-book-award/) - [Nomination Form](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/applications/holton-book-award/) - [AIA Grants & Awards Overview](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Web Contact Form | |--------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | AIA Awards Office | [awards@archaeological.org](mailto:awards@archaeological.org) | 857-305-9350 | [Contact AIA](https://www.archaeological.org/contact/) |

Felicia A. Holton Book Award

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