Philadelphia, PA (May 22, 2024) – The National Constitution Center today announced it will award its 36th annual Liberty Medal to America’s storyteller, Ken Burns, for illuminating the nation’s greatest triumphs and tragedies and inspiring all of us to learn about the principles at the heart of the American idea. The National Constitution Center will honor the renowned documentary filmmaker at a ceremony overlooking Independence Mall on September 24, 2024.
“Ken Burns is America’s storyteller and America’s history teacher, and his brilliant work inspires Americans to learn about our past and to better understand our present and future. Next year, Ken will present The American Revolution, which masterfully illuminates the struggles, setbacks, and triumphs of the Revolutionary generation in their battle to secure the ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy at the heart of the American idea,” said National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen. “The National Constitution Center is honored to recognize Ken Burns genius with the 2024 Liberty Medal and to work with him to inspire Americans to learn about, debate, and defend these ideals during the 250th anniversary of the nation in 2026 and beyond.”
“I’m honored to receive the National Constitution Center’s Liberty Medal,” said Burns. “There is nothing more important in a democracy than educating the public about its history. The National Constitution Center has become a guiding light for all of us who are trying to understand our history and the ongoing significance of the American Revolution and our founding documents and ideas. At a time when so much of our country seems divided, it is even more important to come together to discuss our founding values, to agree and disagree, and ultimately recognize that together we are responsible for maintaining and improving the country we have inherited. Liberty requires our diligence.”
For nearly half a century, Burns has been a pioneering force in American documentary filmmaking. He has directed and produced some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made, including The Civil War; Baseball; Jazz; The War; The National Parks: America’s Best Idea; Prohibition; The Roosevelts: An Intimate History; The Vietnam War; Country Music; The U.S. and the Holocaust; and, most recently, The American Buffalo. His films have been honored with dozens of major awards, including 17 Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards, and two Oscar nominations. He is a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and a member of the Television Academy Hall of Fame. His upcoming projects include Leonardo da Vinci, airing November 2024, and The American Revolution, which will premiere in fall 2025.
The Liberty Medal, established in 1988 and hosted by the National Constitution Center since 2006, recognizes individuals who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe. Recent recipients have included Judy Woodruff and David Rubenstein, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, U.S. Senator John McCain, U.S. Representative John Lewis, the Dalai Lama, and Malala Yousafzai.
The Liberty Medal prize of $100,000 is sponsored by Ira Lubert and Pamela Estadt, who have supported the award for more than a decade. The Liberty Medal is also made possible by support from corporations, foundations, and individuals with proceeds going to further the work of the National Constitution Center. Sponsorships and individual tickets to the Liberty Medal Ceremony and Dinner Reception are available for purchase. Inquiries about supporting the event should be directed to [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE: Credentials are required for press entry to this event. For more information about press coverage, contact Moira Bagley Smith ([email protected]).
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About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As the Museum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.
