THE RED JACKET AWARDS

The original Red Jacket medal is one of the most treasured artifacts in Western New York and was repatriated to the Seneca Nation from the Museum in May of 2021. The Red Jacket medal was presented by President George Washington to Seneca Chief Red Jacket (Sagoyewatha) in 1792, the medal bears symbolic imagery of the peaceful coexistence between the United States and Native Americans. The tradition of the Red Jacket Award is inspired by the imperative to continue acknowledging individuals who, through continued and devoted service, strive to support the connections in our region with our heritage.

Each year, The Buffalo History Museum recognizes local leaders and organizations for their contributions to our community. The Museum collaborated with the Buffalo community this year, by opening the ability to nominate individuals for the Red Jacket, Daniel B. Niederlander, and Owen B. Augspurger Awards to the general public.

The Awards Committee, comprised of current and past members of our Board of Managers, community members, and previous award recipients, review all nominations. The selected candidates are then presented to The Buffalo History Museum’s Board of Managers for voting.

Help us recognize pillars of our community in civic progress, service, support of local history, and more. Nominate an individual or organization today!

Nominations are due by 11:59pm on Saturday, April 8th

NOMINATION FORMS & CRITERIA

The Red Jacket Award

Established in 1957, The Red Jacket Award is presented by The Buffalo History Museum in recognition of “quiet, continued, unbroken devotion to our civic progress and needs by one who, through such devotion, has thereby enlarged our awareness of our heritage in order that it may be built upon for the enrichment of our future.”

The following should guide you in your nominations:

  • Emphasis should be placed on recognition of a continuum of quiet, unbroken devotion to our civic progress that enlarges awareness of our heritage and enriches our community.
  • Through community leadership, the nominee makes a positive impact to our social well-being.
  • The award may be given for civic achievement and service in any category.
  • Though elected officials may be considered, the award may only be given when the recipient no longer holds elected public office.
  • Board members of The Buffalo History Museum will be considered when his/her term of service ends.
  • Special consideration and emphasis should be placed on community service and civic contributions outside of the candidate’s professional career.

Nominate for the Red Jacket Award | Red Jacket Score Rubric |  Former Recipients

The Owen B. Augspurger Award

The Owen B. Augspurger Award was established in 1974 in honor of Owen B. Augspurger (1913-1969), a former History Museum president, and a Red Jacket awardee (1969). The award is presented to an individual for outstanding service to the cause of local history.

The following criteria should guide you in the nomination of awardees:

  • That the activities supporting the nomination shall have been performed during a significant period of time, unless the committee finds unusual extenuating circumstances.
  • That activities related to local history may include publication of books, articles, or pamphlets; service in a historical agency; reporting of local history through the news media; collection of historical data or objects and provision for their public enjoyment; research and writing leading to broadening the knowledge of local history in Erie County; and development of significant local history programs.

Nominate for the Owen B. Augspurger Award | Augspurger Score Rubric |Former Recipients

Daniel B. Niederlander Award

The Daniel B. Niederlander Award was established in 1975, in honor of Niederlander (1895-1964), a former History Museum president, businessman, and dedicated civic leader. The award is presented to a local education, cultural or heritage organization for outstanding programming.

The following criteria should guide you in the nomination of organizations:

  • The organization’s overall program for the year must be of high caliber. The award should not be given for a particular event.
  • Services should be directed at the entire population of the town, village, or other geographical area described in its charter.
  • Particular value will be placed on service rendered to youth.
  • Although occupation of a permanent headquarters need not be a prerequisite, the maintenance of extended hours of service at a permanent or temporary headquarters is a factor in service to the community.
  • Extensive involvement of volunteers should be emphasized and given special consideration.
  • Interpretive programs, research and reference services should be equally weighed.
  • Participation in county, area, state and national historical activities.

Nominate for the Daniel B. Niederlander Award | Niederlander Score Rubric |  Former Recipients

Skip to content