diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 535f364..6ff71cb 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -235,3 +235,8 @@ Key patterns to understand before contributing:
 
 Merges from `dev` to `main` are done by maintainers and represent a versioned
 release. Do not open PRs directly against `main`.
+
+## Recognition
+
+If you'd like to be listed as a contributor, add yourself to
+[CONTRIBUTORS.md](CONTRIBUTORS.md) in your PR.
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTORS.md b/CONTRIBUTORS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..929596e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CONTRIBUTORS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+# Contributors
+
+Beacon is built by its contributors. Thank you to everyone who has helped.
+
+## Core
+
+- [ded](https://hackers.town/@ded) — co-founder, lead developer
+
+## Contributors
+
+Contributors who wish to be listed here may add themselves in a PR.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b3079b0..c09d469 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -355,5 +355,8 @@ Not yet implemented — see the Authentication section above.
 
 ## Acknowledgements
 
+See [CONTRIBUTORS.md](CONTRIBUTORS.md) for the people who have helped build
+Beacon.
+
 Beacon stands on the shoulders of giants. See [SHOULDERS.md](SHOULDERS.md) for
 the full list of open source projects that make this possible.