The United States Capitol Historical Society (USCHS) mourns the passing of renowned journalist Jim Lehrer. A longtime fixture of the Washington Press Corps, he co-founded the News Hour program which runs to this day on PBS and changed the way Americans learn about current events.

In recognition of his contributions to the field of journalism, USCHS presented Mr. Lehrer with its highest honor in 2003: The Freedom Award. During the ceremony, then-president Ronald Sarasin noted that “Jim Lehrer is a pioneer in a field that both contributes to and emanates from freedom.” He went on that “through his reporting as well as through his fiction writing, he captures the human story of America, making history accessible and engaging to millions.” USCHS Board of Trustees member and longtime friend of the Society Cokie Roberts presented the award to Mr. Lehrer.

“Jim Lehrer is the voice of history in the making” noted USCHS President/CEO Jane Campbell. “He established an in-depth, insightful, and impactful view of politics through his reporting, and for that he will always be remembered.”