About the Awards

The Governor General’s History Awards are Canada’s top honours in the field of history and heritage. They celebrate the very best in Canadian achievements to ensure our national past has a vibrant presence in our society today.

The Awards were first established in 1996 by Canada’s National History Society to recognize excellence in teaching Canadian history. Since the creation of the awards, over 100 teachers have been honoured at Rideau Hall and at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec.

In 2011, the awards program was expanded in partnership with Canada’s leading national history organizations, including the Canadian Historical Association, the Canadian Museums Association, Historica Canada, and Experiences Canada. The Governor General’s History Awards now provide an annual opportunity to bring together museums, community organizations, writers, historians, students, teachers and media producers to celebrate Canadian history and to learn from one another.