History major Shelby Boatman is one of only 15 undergraduate history majors in the country to have been chosen to receive the 2016 Gilder Lehrman History Scholar Award. According to the Gilder Lehrman website, the award "recognizes outstanding college juniors and seniors who have demonstrated academic and extracurricular excellence in American history or American studies as well as a commitment to public service and community involvement." Scholars spend five days in New York City (June 6–10), during which time they participate in a program of special presentations, including meetings with eminent scholars; they experience exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of historic archives; and receive the Gilder Lehrman History Scholar Award at a celebratory dinner.
