The U.S. Capitol Historical Society created its Freedom Award to recognize and honor individuals and organizations that have advanced greater public understanding and appreciation for freedom as represented by the U.S. Capitol and Congress. The Freedom Award was first presented on September 17, 1993, the eve of the 200th anniversary of the laying of the U.S. Capitol cornerstone by George Washington in 1793. This award, named for the statue that graces the Capitol’s Dome, is presented annually in recognition of the dedication of recipients to freedom, democracy, and representative government.
Photos (c) Bruce Guthrie
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Roy Blunt, and Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Congressional Electoral College Tellers
Dr. Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress
The Architect of the Capitol (organization)
Lin-Manuel Miranda, playwright
David McCullough, historian
The Honorable William S. Cohen, Congressman, Senator, and 20th Secretary of Defense; and The Honorable Norman Y. Mineta, Congressman, 33rd Secretary of Commerce, and 14th Secretary of Transportation
Ken Burns, documentary filmmaker
Cokie Roberts, Journalist and author
The Honorable Howard H. Baker, Jr., Senate Majority Leader and U.S. Ambassador to Japan
The Honorable Tom Foley, 49th Speaker of the House of Representatives and U.S. Ambassador to Japan
Congressman Lee H. Hamilton, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and The Center for Congress at Indiana University
Dr. Robert V. Remini, Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jim Lehrer, Journalist
U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress
The Honorable Corinne “Lindy” Claiborne Boggs, Congresswoman and U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See
The Honorable Clarence “Bud” Brown, Congressman and 2nd President of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society (1993-1999)
Officer Jacob “J.J.” Chestnut and Special Agent John M. Gibson, U.S. Capitol Police (presented posthumously)
C-SPAN and its founder, Brian Lamb
Senator Bob Dole and Congressman Sonny Montgomery
The Honorable George M. White, 9th Architect of the Capitol (1971-1995)
Gilbert M. Grosvenor, National Geographic Society
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p. 202-543-8919
p. 800-887-9318
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200 Maryland Avenue NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
p. 202-543-8919
p. 800-887-9318
f. 202-525-2790
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We believe that every student deserves an education about our nation’s history, that inspires them to be the best citizens they can be, no matter their background. Our “We the People” Constitution Tours™ provide immersive educational experiences for eighth-grade students from D.C. Title I schools, ensuring that students from historically underserved communities can explore the foundations of our democracy firsthand. During the program, students visit important sites related to the Constitution including the George Mason Memorial, the National Archives, the U.S. Capitol Building, and The People’s House: A White House Experience. As the cost of providing these tours continues to rise, your donation will help cover essential expenses, including transportation, lunches, knowledgeable tour guides, and educational materials.
“We the People,” speaks to the freedoms and responsibilities inherent in the Constitution of the United States of America. For Jim and me, it has been of the greatest importance that all citizens have an understanding of the democratic process and rule of law in order to be active participants in the form of self-governance laid out by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. I believe that my support in Jim’s name of the “We the People” tours is essential for the future of our country.
– Mrs. Penny Morrill on why she supports the “We the People” Constitution Tours
Help preserve and share the history of democracy with a year-end donation! Join as a member today and enjoy unique benefits—all while contributing to our mission of preserving history and promoting civic education.
Donations received by midnight tonight or checks postmarked on or before December 31, 2024, will be applied to the 2024 tax year.
