Beacon Society News and Links

Beacon Award Nominations are accepted from 1 October to 1 November.

Announced each January, the Beacon Award annually recognizes a project that has successfully introduced young people to the Sherlock Holmes stories. Anyone can submit a nomination form to the Beacon Society, but you cannot nominate yourself.

The Jan Stauber Grant deadline is June 1st

press release 14 April 2009

You may apply for up to $250 in assistance in developing a teaching project that will introduce more young people to Sherlock Holmes. Applications may be sent anytime, but must be received by June 1 to be considered for the upcoming school year. See details and application form on the Jan Stauber Grant page.

Check our links at the top of this page and in the left column: our most frequently asked question (FAQ) is

Why read Sherlock Holmes today?

Our website provides

Ideas for using Sherlock Holmes as a teaching aid in classrooms and libraries
Examples of projects that have successfully introduced young people to the stories of Sherlock Holmes
Help for Sherlock Holmes societies who want to get involved with teaching in their communities
Information about the world of Sherlock Holmes for students and teachers of all kinds

Our Mission

Founded in 2003, the Beacon Society is dedicated to supporting educational experiences which introduce young people to the study of Sherlock Holmes literature. Through its recognition programs and information sources, the Society helps teachers and engages children in the pleasures of reading. A not-for-profit organization, the Beacon Society serves as a link to scions of the Baker Street Irregulars and to those working with young people, providing teachers and others with resources for bringing the magic of Sherlock Holmes to life in the classroom. Its mission is "supporting educational experiences that introduce young people to the Canon and recognizing exemplary efforts to do so."

Beginning in 2004, Beacon Awards have been given to those persons or organizations whose work with young people are deemed to have made an outstanding contribution toward the Beacon Society’s mission.

Contact the Beacon Webmaster: mmckayATL@comcast.net