Mars Inc. launches History Tellers Award tied to America’s 250th

Mars Inc. is launching the search for the 2026 honoree of the History Tellers Award. The national program was created to recognize historic-site and museum-based interpreters, educators, guides and other living-history storytellers as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary.

The program is designed to spotlight historical storytellers who engage audiences and help make history relevant for future generations. William Clements, vice president of sponsorships for Mars Snacking premium brands and Mars Properties, said interpreters and educators often work with limited resources to bring American stories to life.

The award is open to nominations through May 4. The recipient will receive $15,000 along with promotional support for the winner and their institution. The company said a committee of museum and history experts will select the winner, who will be announced July 4.

The award was inspired by historic interpreters Cheyney McKnight, founder of Not Your Momma’s History, and Dontavius Williams, a public historian and founder of The Chronicles of Adam. Mars said both received the inaugural History Tellers Award in 2025 and will serve on the selection committee for the 2026 award.

Mars also tied the program to American Heritage Chocolate, which the company said was developed by Forrest E. Mars Jr. in 2006 to support immersive storytelling and historically inspired chocolate recipes for use at historic sites.