The Merle Curti Award annually recognizes the author of the best book in American social history. Merle Curti was president of the OAH in 1951-1952. Each entry must be published during the period January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. One copy of each entry, clearly labeled "2026 Merle Curti Social History Award Entry," must be mailed directly to the committee members. Bound page proofs may be used for books to be published after October 1, 2025, and before January 1, 2026. If a bound page proof is submitted, a bound copy of the book must be received by each committee member postmarked no later than January 7, 2026. If a book carries a copyright date that is different from the publication date, but the actual publication date falls during the correct timeframe making it eligible, please include a letter of explanation from the publisher with each copy of the book sent to the committee members. While OAH strongly encourages authors to work with their publisher to coordinate submission for OAH prizes, OAH members are now able to self-nominate their works. Current OAH members who wish to self-nominate their book should write to OAH no later than three weeks before the deadline. They must include their name, the title of their work, and publisher information. Self-published works remain ineligible. Please visit the award's website for more information.