U.S. Capitol Historical Society to Honor David M. Rubenstein with Freedom Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Capitol Historical Society to Honor David M. Rubenstein with Freedom Award for Unprecedented Patriotic Philanthropy

Rubenstein’s Philanthropy Helped Preserve U.S. Treasures & Landmarks Including Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, National Archives, Library of Congress, & Smithsonian Institution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society (USCHS) announced that it will honor philanthropist David M. Rubenstein with its 2026 Freedom Award. During America’s 250^th anniversary, the Society will recognize Rubenstein for his extraordinary contributions to preserving our nation’s history, advancing civic understanding, and strengthening the institutions that define the American experience. His unprecedented patriotic philanthropy has been instrumental in the preservation of many national treasures and landmarks, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, National Archives, Library of Congress, and Smithsonian Institution. In so doing, Rubenstein has helped foster a greater appreciation for the principles, institutions, and ideals that unite us as Americans. The 2026 Freedom Award ceremony will be held this winter at the United States Capitol Building. Details are forthcoming.

“Through his immense generosity, David Rubenstein has had an extraordinary impact preserving our nation’s history, strengthening our civic institutions, and inspiring generations of American students and leaders alike,” said Roswell Encina, President & CEO of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. “Part of our mission at the Society is to help foster an informed patriotism. We achieve that by telling the important story of America. Few individuals have done more to champion that story than he has—why Mr. Rubenstein is a fitting recipient of the Freedom Award during America250.”

“I am deeply honored by this recognition, though I’d note that the real credit belongs to the historians, archivists, and civic institutions that do the hard work of keeping our country’s story alive,” said David M. Rubenstein. “I have always believed that a citizen who does not know their own history cannot fully appreciate the rights and responsibilities that come with American citizenship. If this award encourages even a few more people to visit the Capitol, read a biography of a Founding Father, or simply pay closer attention to how our government works, then it will have done its job. I am grateful to the U.S. Capitol Historical Society for the work they do, and for including me in such distinguished company.”

For nearly a year, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society has worked closely with Rubenstein as a proud partner of America’s Book Club, a series he hosts on C‑SPAN, featuring in‑depth conversations with prominent historians, authors, and public figures. Through his work on C-SPAN, Bloomberg Television, and his long-standing support of the National Book Festival, as well as countless public forums, Rubenstein has become one of America’s great conveners of ideas; introducing millions of Americans to the scholars, authors, and thinkers who help us better understand our past while encouraging thoughtful conversations about our future.

The U.S. Capitol Historical Society created its Freedom Award to honor individuals who exhibit extraordinary dedication to freedom, democracy, and representative government. Through their actions, recipients advance a greater public understanding of, and appreciation for, freedom as represented by Congress and the United States Capitol. The Freedom Award was first presented on September 17, 1993, on the eve of the 200th anniversary of George Washington laying the cornerstone of the United States Capitol. The award is named for “Freedom,” the statue that graces the Capitol’s Dome.

During previous ceremonies, recipients have accepted their Freedom Award—often in the United States Capitol—with current and former Members of Congress in attendance. Past recipients whose work, like Rubenstein’s, was particularly impactful promoting American history, include playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda (2017), historian David McCullough (2016), and documentarian Ken Burns (2012). Last year, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society honored retired Congressman Patrick McHenry, who for 22 historic and turbulent days, led the House of Representatives as the nation’s first Acting Speaker Pro Tempore, enabling our legislative process to function, and our government’s tradition of orderly transfers of power to continue.

To learn more about the Freedom Award and past recipients, please visit the Society’s website HERE.

David M. Rubenstein is Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group and the Chairman, CEO, and principal owner of Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles. In 2025, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom: our nation’s highest civilian honor. Rubenstein is Chairman of many educational and nonprofit boards, an original signer of The Giving Pledge, and the host of The David Rubenstein Show, Bloomberg Wealth with David Rubenstein, Longevity with David Rubenstein, and Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein. Rubenstein is a Baltimore native, a 1970 graduate of Duke University, and a 1973 graduate of the University of Chicago Law School.

The U.S. Capitol Historical Society was founded in 1962 by Congressman Fred Schwengel. In 1978, the Society was chartered by Congress with the mission of educating the public on the history and heritage of the United States Capitol, its institutions, and the people who have served therein, in order to foster an “informed patriotism.” Societal activities include educational tours, scholarly symposia, enhancement and preservation of the Capitol’s collection of art and artifacts, sponsorship of research on the public careers of those who have served in the Capitol, and assistance to Congressional and other Capitol offices. The Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, tax-exempt, educational 501(c)3 organization. To learn more about the Society, please visit CapitolHistory.org.