The Waring Historical Library is excited to announce the 2024 W. Curtis Worthington, Jr. Essay
Contest—an opportunity for students to contribute to the scholarship of the history of health
sciences. This contest, supported by the Waring Library Society, is dedicated to recognizing
exceptional work that expands our understanding of the history of health sciences.
The Waring Library Society will grant one award for an undergraduate essay and one award for
a graduate essay. The winners will receive a cash prize as well an invitation to provide a virtual
presentation of their research at the Waring’s noon lecture series during the 2024-2025
academic year.
The research should focus on the United States-Atlantic World History of Health Sciences in the
modern era—from the late 1600s to the present. Entries must be 4,000-6,000 words for the
undergraduate award, and 6,000-8,000 words for the graduate award (excluding notes and
bibliography). Manuscripts must be submitted by the end of the business day, May 31, 2024 to
be considered. For more information on guidelines, author eligibility, and submission
instructions, please view our Essay Contest Application page.
We eagerly anticipate the diverse narratives and fresh perspectives presented through the
submissions and encourage all eligible students to submit their work. Any questions regarding
the contest may be sent to waringhl@musc.edu.
About the Waring Historical Library
The Waring Historical Library is the special collections and rare book library of the Medical
University of South Carolina (MUSC). Named for Joseph I. Waring, Jr., the first director of the
Historical Library, the library supports the teaching and research mission of MUSC by collecting
and preserving original manuscripts, books, and other items relating to the history of the
University, the history of health sciences in South Carolina and the South, and identifying
resources documenting the health sciences of the Atlantic World during the 18th and 19th
centuries.
About the Waring Library Society
The Waring Library Society (WLS) is a "friends of the library" group founded in 1979 to support
the mission of the library, specifically developing the collections, raising funds for the Waring’s
endowment, promoting membership and perpetuating interest in the history of the health
sciences. WLS also serves as advocate for the Waring Library within the University and in the
community at large.