The East Tennessee Historical Society honored Jack Williams at the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on November 7, 2024, and is establishing a new award in memory and honor of Jack and his wife, Carolyn.
Williams, who passed away on September 28, 2024, was a former board chair of the ETHS and a volunteer who contributed his time and talents to the organization. In 2017, Jack and Carolyn Williams created the Making History Personal Award, which was presented at the annual East Tennessee Regional Contest of National History Day.
The ETHS is establishing the Jack and Carolyn Williams Award to continue the legacy begun with the Making History Personal Award. All funds contributed will go to the endowment of the new award. A $5,000 endowment would fund the award for 10 years; a $10,000 endowment would fund the award for 20 years.
The cash award recognized students who through multiple years of National History Day competition gained an understanding of the importance of primary source research with balanced interpretation and grew in their understanding of why history matters today and for the future.
The Williamses created the award to ensure that all students were recognized for their hard work and who often came just shy of advancing to the next level. They wanted to reward and recognize effort and growth.
To continue their legacy, you may make a contribution to the Jack and Carolyn Williams Award online or by sending a check made out to the ETHS to ETHS, P.O.Box 1629, Knoxville, TN 37901 (with contribution designated for the Jack and Carolyn Williams Award.)
Information for this article was provided by the East Tennessee Historical Society.
