PROGRAMS

Academy-sanctioned recognitions highlighting exemplary national, civic, and cultural impact.  

Learn more: America First Awards™

The Awards are distinct from Honors and are designed for structured national recognition, introduced deliberately and expanded over time under Academy governance.

America First Awards™ are presented as part of the America 250 commemoration, recognizing excellence at national scale while advancing long-term institutional sustainability for public participation, recognition, and service.

  Invitation-only, lifetime recognitions conferred by the Academy’s trustees for enduring national legacy and civic-cultural impact.

The Honors do not confer recognition for artistic excellence or achievement in the performing arts. 

 America First Journal™ refers to the Academy’s national archival publication; America First Journals™ refers to regional and local archival editions developed under Academy stewardship.

Academy-sanctioned archival and editorial initiatives established to document, preserve, and contextualize enduring national, state, and regional contributions of civic, cultural, institutional, and historical significance.

The Journals support the Academy’s mission of cultural preservation and national continuity, extending the reach, accessibility, and historical record of American excellence.

America First Journals™ may be issued nationally or regionally and are developed deliberately, aligned with Academy standards and authorship principles.

The Journals serve as an archival and contextual framework through which nationally and regionally significant recognitions, civic contributions, and cultural achievements are preserved and made accessible.