American Heritage Awards
About the Awards
In celebration of the NSCDA’s patriotic ideals, the American Heritage Awards recognize organizations, groups, or students that show timeless dedication to patriotism and American heritage. Each year, four corporate societies from different regions of the country, known as that year’s “Spotlight Societies,” select the recipient or recipients of the award.
The total amount of an award is determined by contributions from each of the four Spotlight Societies, in addition to funds contributed by other corporate societies in the region. Regardless of the amount, the recipient or recipients must use the award to promote knowledge of patriotism and American heritage through community work, programs, projects, or courses of study.
American Heritage Award Overview with Projects
American Heritage Award Guidelines and Timeline
Past Recipients
Mission Garden
2023-2024 Recipient
Mission Garden in Tucson, AZ highlights 4,000 years of Arizona’s diverse cultural and agricultural heritage. Selected by the Arizona Society.
Quilts of Valor
2023-2024 Recipient
Quilts of Valor in Winterset, IA provides homemade quilts to veterans. Started in Iowa now has 10,000 volunteers in all 50 states. Selected by the Iowa Society.
National Medal of Honor Heritage Center
2023-2024 Recipient
This award helped sponsor the Center’s 2023 annual Celebration of Valor in Chattanooga, TN. Selected by the Tennessee Society.
Combat Soldiers Recovery Fund
2023-2024 Recipient
The Combat Soldiers Recovery Fund is located in Chevy Chase, MD. Selected by the District of Columbia Society.
Friends of the Cherokee Trail
2022-2023 Recipient
Selected by the Kansas Society.
FOCUS Marines Foundation
2022-2023 Recipient
Based in August, MO and selected by the Missouri Society.
Tulsa Glassblowing School
2022-2023 Recipient
Based in Tulsa, OK and selected by the Oklahoma Society.
Portland Historical Society
2021-2022 Recipient
Based in Portland, OR and selected by the Oregon Society.
Lady Veterans Connect
2021-2022 Recipient
Based in Winchester, KY and selected by the Kentucky Society.
USO at Fort Bragg
2021-2022 Recipient
Based in Fort Bragg, NC and selected by the North Carolina Society.
Boy Scout Troop 85
2021-2022 Recipient
Based in Wethersfield, CT and selected by the Connecticut Society.
Stonington Historical Society
2021-2022 Recipient
Based in Stonington, CT and selected by the Connecticut Society.