Official logo of the Order of Colonial Lords of Manors featured on the site

Timothy Field Beard Award

Honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to genealogy, scholarship, or the preservation of colonial heritage. Named after the esteemed genealogist and historian Timothy Field Beard, the award recognizes those who uphold his legacy of meticulous research and dedication to historical preservation.

2025

Portrait of Morrison Harris Heckscher, curator emeritus of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art featured on Colonial Lords page

Sutherland McColley

Sutherland McColley is retiring this year as the Genealogist for the Order of Colonial Lords of Manors in America. From organizing materials after the untimely death of our late president Timothy Field Beard, to managing the enormous project of digitizing the extensive archive of applications, he was always on hand to guide the board with his historic expertise, wisdom, and advice.

2024

Portrait of Robert Charles Anderson, noted genealogist and historian featured by Colonial Lords

Robert Charles Anderson, FASG

Robert Charles Anderson is the Director of the Great Migration Study Project at American Ancestors / New England Historic Genealogical Society.

2023

Portrait of Morrison Harris Heckscher, curator emeritus of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art featured on Colonial Lords page

Henry C. Pitts

Henry C. Pitts is the President of the Manor Conservancy. This award is in recognition of the conservancy’s dedication in the preservation of over 4,000 acres of land that was once part of Maryland’s “My Lady’s Manor” for the continued benefit of the public and the enjoyment of future generations.

2022

Portrait of author Stacy Schiff, Pulitzer Prize‑winning biographer featured by Colonial Lords content

Stacy Schiff

Stacy Schiff is a Pulitzer Prize winner, author most recently of The Witches: Salem, 1692, and currently featured in the Ken Burns mini-series Benjamin Franklin, airing on PBS.

2021

Portrait of David Hackett Fischer, American historian and Pulitzer Prize‑winning author featured on Colonial Lords page

David Hackett Fischer

Henry C. Pitts is the President of the Manor Conservancy. This award is in recognition of the conservancy’s dedication in the preservation of over 4,000 acres of land that was once part of Maryland’s “My Lady’s Manor” for the continued benefit of the public and the enjoyment of future generations.

2020

Morrison Harris Heckscher Curator Emeritus Portrait Colonial Lords

Morrison Harris Heckscher

Morrison Harris Heckscher is Curator Emeritus of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

2019

Portrait of Michael Grillo, historical presenter and museum educator featured by Colonial Lords event

Michael J. Grillo

Michael J. Grillo is the Living Historian and Museum Educator at the Van Cortlandt House Museum. The award recognizes his nineteen years of dedication, bringing the past to life via his hand-tailored period costumes. Mr. Grillo wears the uniform of a General of The Back Watch (42nd Regiment of Foot).

Portrait of Timothy Field Beard, author and historian featured on Colonial Lords page

The Order of Colonial Lords of Manors in America strives to ensure that the story of America’s manorial past — and its role in shaping our early communities — remains accessible, accurate, and alive for generations to come.

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