In 1967, The Ontario Historical Society established an Awards program to honour individuals and organizations who have contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of Ontario’s heritage. Over the years, new awards have been instituted; thirteen are now offered. The Awards program is intended both to acknowledge the work of outstanding individuals and organizations, and to raise public awareness of Ontario’s history and the people who work to preserve and interpret it.

All recipients of awards receive recognition in subsequent publicity, and a framed certificate accompanied by a copy of the citation acknowledging their contribution to the heritage community.

All interested organizations or individuals are invited to participate in the Awards program by submitting a nomination. Self nominations are acceptable, with some restrictions in the case of the Dorothy Duncan Award.

Nominees may be volunteers, professionals, non-profit organizations, businesses or corporations as indicated in the award criteria. Books are only eligible for one book award category. All nominations are assessed by The Ontario Historical Society’s Honours and Awards Committee.

For a history of the OHS' Honours and Awards Program, read 40 Years Later: A Brief Chronicle of The Ontario Historical Society's Honours and Awards.

In 2009, the OHS established a new award with the support of the Huguenot Society of Canada. 

Huguenot Society of Canada Award
Honouring the best book or substantial article published in Ontario in the past three years which has brought public awareness to the principles of freedom of conscience and freedom of thought.