WILLIAMSBURG — The city is accepting nominations for the Williamsburg Mace Bearer’s Award, the only honor Williamsburg City Council presents to community members or organizations.
The award, launched in 2022, recognizes individuals or groups who have made a lasting, positive impact on the city and its commitment to being a community where everyone who lives, works or visits has the opportunity to thrive, according to a news release.
To be eligible, individuals must currently or previously have lived or worked in the city, and sitting state, federal or local officials cannot be nominated, though the award may be given posthumously. Both individuals and organizations must have made a significant contribution to the community beyond their normal professional role, demonstrated leadership that strengthened community cohesion and contributed to an initiative that brought positive change to Williamsburg.
Past recipients include Jim Joseph, longtime president of the Neighborhood Council of Williamsburg, in 2022; Robert “Bobby” A. Braxton, a community activist and former City Council member, in 2023; and Jeanne Zeidler, a former mayor, in 2025.
Mayor Douglas G. Pons said the award reflects the city’s appreciation for people and organizations who devote their time to strengthening the community.
“By honoring those who exemplify service and leadership, we highlight the values that unite the Williamsburg community and inspire others to get involved,” Pons said.
The award takes its name from the Mace of the City, a Colonial-era ceremonial artifact held in the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s museum collections. It’s believed to have been carried through the streets on May 1, 1783, in a procession celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War.
Nominations are open until 4 p.m. Sept. 18. The winner will receive the award at a ceremony in December.
To nominate someone or read the full criteria, visit williamsburgva.gov/nomination.
