Freedom’s Frontier is now accepting nominations for its 11th annual awards luncheon, including its three new Theme Awards. Other awards include the Billings Most Valuable Project Award and the Tacha Education Award. Presented annually since 2013, FFNHA awards honor outstanding work and scholarship in the heritage area.

The three Theme Awards recognize partners with a nominated exhibit, program, or project specifically highlighting one of FFNHA’s three themes.

The Billings Most Valuable Project Award honors outstanding projects committed to the advancement of FFNHA goals and adherence to FFNHA guiding principles. It is named for Judy Billings, Retired President and CEO of Destination Management, Inc., served as the founding Executive Director of Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) from 2006-2012 and was instrumental in advocating for National Heritage Area designation. 

The Tacha Education Award recognizes students engaging in the issues, ideas, people, and events relating to FFNHA’s themes. It honors Deanell Reece Tacha, Retired Judge with the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, and founding Chair of the Board of Trustees of Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) from 2004-2010.

The November awards luncheon and partner meeting will be held Nov. 18 at FFNHA’s headquarters in Lawrence, KS. Registration is now open. Nominations are open through November 8.

Information and nomination forms can be found at freedomsfrontier.org/awards.