The General Tools Award is the highest honor the SIA can bestow. The award recognizes individuals who have given sustained, distinguished service to the cause of industrial archeology and is presented at the SIA’s annual business meeting.

Committee members as of 2026:

Christopher Marston, Chair

Michael Raber

Mary Habstritt

Committee members select honorees from nominations and serve a term of three years, with the final year as chair of the committee. Each year one member rotates off and a new member is appointed by SIA’s President and approved by the Board of Directors.