The Bill Martin Award

Bill Martin speaking with museum visitors in 2023. (Credit: The Valentine Museum)

The Bill Martin Award is given annually to honor the legacy of Bill Martin and to recognize museum professionals whose work exemplifies visionary leadership, community building, and the amplification of untold or underrepresented stories. Bill was a respected and influential leader within Virginia’s museum community. He was widely known for his ability to bring people together, foster collaboration, and encourage museums to think expansively about their role in society. His leadership emphasized listening, relationship-building, and creating space for new voices and ideas.

Eligibility

Nominees must be a current or former museum professional, educator, volunteer, board member, scholar, or community partner with a demonstrated connection to the Virginia museum field. 

Nominations may be submitted by museum professionals, colleagues, board members, or other community partners. Self-nominations are not permitted.

Nomination Process & Criteria

In order to nominate an individual for this award, please complete the nomination form below. A successful nominee will meet the following criteria:

Leadership with Vision

• Demonstrated leadership that inspires positive change within museums or the museum field
• Willingness to innovate, take thoughtful risks, and challenge traditional practices
• Influence that extends beyond a single institution or role

Community Building

• Sustained efforts to build and maintain authentic relationships with communities,
  partners, and colleagues
• Commitment to collaboration across institutions, disciplines, or sectors
• Creation of environments that foster trust, inclusion, and shared learning

Telling Untold Stories

• Active work to elevate histories, narratives, or perspectives that have been marginalized
  or underrepresented
• Inclusive approaches to interpretation, programming, collections, or engagement
• Meaningful involvement of community voices in storytelling processes

*Nominations will be accepted until Friday, February 12th, 2027*

Decision Process

The award recipient will be selected by a committee appointed by the VAM Executive Director with support from the Executive Committee. The committee reserves the right not to present the award in a given year if nominations do not meet the intent and standards of the award.

The recipient of the Bill Martin Award for Leadership, Community, and Storytelling will receive:

● A physical commemorative award
● Public recognition at the 2027 VAM Annual Conference
● Recognition on the VAM website and in official VAM communication, including our newsletter and social media

NOMINATION FORM