Bancroft Prize
The Bancroft Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the field of American History and Diplomacy. The prize was established in 1948 by a bequest from Frederic Bancroft PhD 1887(?) and is awarded each year for two books published on topics of American history (including biographies, and central and south america) and/or diplomacy. The winners (who do not have to be, and often are not, Columbians) are recognized in a ceremony in the Low Library Rotunda.
Among the winners are historian Sean Wilentz CC'72 and Thomas Sugrue CC'84.
The Bancroft Prize is not to be confused with the Bancroft Award, given in recognition of superior dissertations on the topic of American history, international relations, or diplomacy by Columbia PhD candidates.
