Statement on the Cancellation of the 2021 NCLHA Annual Meeting

When we canceled our 2020 meeting, we had had high hopes for gathering in November 2021. With those plans in mind, the Executive Committee met virtually on October 6. We discussed the current levels of COVID-19 infection and vaccination. And while conditions appear to be improving, continued uncertainty left us to conclude that the safest course is to cancel this year’s meeting.

We’re disappointed that we are unable to gather for a second consecutive year. We’re hopeful that conditions will continue to improve, so that we can meet in 2022 to celebrate the talented writers, historians, naturalists, and performers who contribute to the remarkable literary, historical, and cultural riches of North Carolina.

Although the meeting and awards ceremony is canceled, we are moving forward with book and achievement awards for 2021. We will soon announce winners of the Sam Ragan Old North State Award for Nonfiction, the Sir Walter Raleigh Award for Fiction, and the Roanoke-Chowan Award for Poetry. We will also name the recipients of the Ralph Hardee Rives Award for Dramatic Arts and the Christopher Crittenden Award. The Rives Award recognizes an individual or organization for excellent, exemplary work in and significant contribution to the dramatic arts in North Carolina. The Crittenden Award recognizes an individual for long-time contributions to the promotion of North Carolina history.

Please check back on our website in the weeks to come for the names of the 2021 award winners.

The Executive Committee wishes you good health and happiness, and we look forward to seeing you in 2022.

Best,

John Blythe

President