Trophies and Awards

Shell Show Trophies and Awards

DuPont Plaque

This annual award is a plaque presented by the Delaware Museum of Natural History to the most outstanding exhibit of mollusks judged as contributing most to the success of the show and is most instructive and inspiring to visitors because of attractiveness, educational value and scientific accuracy. It may be given only to a blue-ribbon winning exhibit that has not been awarded another major award in the present show. The purpose of this award is to advance the cause of amateur Malacology by encouraging the entry of exhibits that will stimulate public interest and increase appreciation of the hobby and the scientific study of mollusks. It is to be awarded to the shell exhibit deemed the best of the show. Dealers are not eligible for this award.

Conchologists of America Trophy (COA)

This award consists of a plaque and a pin presented by the Conchologists of America (COA) to the scientific exhibit that shows overall excellence and best furthers interest in shells and shell collecting. It may be given only to a blue-ribbon winning exhibit that has not been awarded another major award in the present show. Dealers are not eligible for this award unless the exhibit is of self-collected shells.

Jean McCluskey Plaque

Most educational display in the show, adult or junior. This plaque may be awarded to a shell or shell fossils display that has won other trophies, plaques or special ribbons. This award is sponsored by the Oregon Society of Conchologists.

Thomas Hale Plaque

Given to the best exhibit that is restricted to shells or shell fossils from the Pacific Northwest Region (Alaska to Panama). The award is sponsored by the Oregon Society of Conchologists.

Maxine Hale Plaque

Award is given to the exhibitor who has the most outstanding display in the show’s CREATIVE DIVISION. Items in the display may be shells or shell fossils, or both. Plaque is sponsored by the Oregon Society of Conchologists.

Oregon Society of Conchologists Plaque

Award is given to the exhibitor of the most outstanding JUNIOR DIVISION shell or shell fossils display. To qualify for the Junior Division and exhibitor must be 17-years of age or younger. The award is sponsored by the Oregon Society of Conchologists.

Shell of the Show Award Ribbon

The ‘Shell of the Show’ ribbon is awarded by the Oregon Society of Conchologists for the single outstanding shell or shell fossil in the entire show that is unique and of interest to both collectors and visitors. This ribbon may be awarded to a display that has won other trophies, plaques or ribbons.