McHenry was interested in political service early in life. As a junior at Belmont Abbey College, he ran for the North Carolina House of Representatives winning the Republican primary, though falling short in the general election. A year later he graduated from Belmont Abbey with a Bachelor’s Degree in History.
McHenry was first elected to Congress in 2004 only a week after his 29th birthday. Throughout his ten terms in the House of Representatives, Congressman McHenry served on the Committee on Financial Services, holding various leadership positions. In 2015, he was selected by House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01) to serve as Chief Deputy Whip. In the 118th Congress, he was elected by his peers as Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.
The Freedom Award was established by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society to celebrate individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions towards a better understanding and appreciation of freedom, as symbolized by the U.S. Capitol and Congress. The award was first presented on September 17, 1993, marking the 200th anniversary of the laying of the U.S. Capitol cornerstone by George Washington in 1793. Named after the statue atop the Capitol Dome, the Freedom Award is presented annually as a tribute to the recipients’ unwavering commitment to freedom, democracy, and representative government.
Photos (c) Bruce Guthrie
Founded in 1962, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society has proudly worked to preserve and share the history of the Capitol, the Congress, and the people who work therein. As a nonpartisan, educational 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Society was chartered by Congress in 1978, in part, “to foster and increase an informed patriotism.” In service of this mission, the Society conducts historical tours of the Capitol Building, hosts both virtual and in-person public history programming, publishes scholarly research in various aspects of Capitol History, coordinates a digital civics education resource hub for teachers, manages a renowned civics education field trip program for Title I D.C. public school students, and commissions works of fine art for the Capitol collections.
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.
