Benjamin A. Botkin Prize

About this program

The Public Programs Section of the American Folklore Society, together with the AFS Executive Board, awards the Benjamin A. Botkin Prize ($1,000) annually to an individual for significant lifetime achievement in public folklore and for advancing public understanding of folklore. Nominations are due September 15 and must be submitted via the AFS prize application form as a single PDF containing a letter of nomination, a one- to two-page biography or résumé, and three to five letters of support from a broad range of people (including community members and non‑folklorists) that specifically address review criteria such as public engagement, impact on the field and communities, contributions to folklore materials, quality of presentation, and scholarship. Nominations remain active for five years; previous nominators should contact AFS staff to confirm or update their submission, and questions may be directed to sections@afsnet.org.