Lenfest Spirit of the American Revolution Award
2020 Lenfest Spirit of the American Revolution Award
-
Lenfest Award Recipients
Christiane Amanpour - 2020
Dr. Louise Mirrer - 2020
Ken Burns - 2019
David McCullough - 2016 (inaugural) -
The Museum of the American Revolution is proud to present the 2020 Lenfest Spirit of the American Revolution Award to two revolutionary women, Christiane Amanpour, Chief International Anchor for CNN and host of Amanpour & Co. on PBS, and Dr. Louise Mirrer, President and CEO of New-York Historical Society, for their trailblazing work in journalism and public history.
This year marks the centennial of the passage of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote, a special year of celebration in recognition of women’s achievements and an ideal moment to honor two women who so fully embody the bold spirit of the American Revolution.
The Lenfest Award was created and endowed in 2016 by the Museum’s late Founding Chairman H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest to honor individuals who advance public awareness and understanding of history and its relevance in the ongoing American experiment. The Museum previously presented the award to documentary filmmaker Ken Burns in 2019 and Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough in 2016.
We hope you will enjoy this virtual tribute to our 2020 honorees.
Presented by Bank of America
Welcome and Thank You
Join us as we celebrate this year’s extraordinary honorees, beginning with welcome remarks and a message of gratitude from Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, President and CEO of the Museum of the American Revolution, and Jim Dever, Greater Philadelphia Market President for Bank of America, the presenting sponsor for the 2020 Lenfest Award.
2020 Lenfest Award Recipient Christiane Amanpour
One of the world’s preeminent broadcast journalists, Christiane Amanpour has reported on major crises from many of the world's hotspots and conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Somalia, Rwanda, and the U.S. during Hurricane Katrina, providing international analysis of important issues of the day.
2020 Lenfest Award Recipient Dr. Louise Mirrer
In her nearly two-decade tenure as President and CEO of the New-York Historical Society, Dr. Louise Mirrer has transformed the oldest museum in New York City into a vibrant, world-class destination that advances public awareness of history through its many programs and exhibitions.
Liara Torres Performing “The Story of Abigail Adams”
New York City high school student Liara Torres performs her original song
The Story of Abigail Adams, inspired by a letter that Adams sent to her husband John, imploring him to “Remember the Ladies.” The letter is on display at the Museum as part of the special exhibition, When Women Lost the Vote: A Revolutionary Story, 1776 -1807.
About the 2020 Lenfest Spirit of the American Revolution Award Recipients
Christiane Amanpour
Christiane Amanpour serves as Chief International Anchor of CNN’s award-winning flagship global affairs program “Amanpour” as well as hosting “Amanpour & Company” on PBS. She is based in the network’s London bureau. Beginning in 1983 as an entry-level assistant on the international assignment desk at CNN’s headquarters in Atlanta, Amanpour rose through the organization, becoming a reporter at the New York bureau, and later, the network’s leading international correspondent. She has earned every major television journalism award, including 12 News and Documentary Emmy Awards and the Courage in Journalism Award. She was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame in 2019 and is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of the Press and the Safety of Journalists.
Dr. Louise Mirrer
Dr. Louise Mirrer is President and Chief Executive Officer of the New-York Historical Society, where she is responsible for all exhibitions, programs, activities, and administrative functions. In 2011, Mirrer oversaw the opening of the NYHS’s DiMenna Children’s History Museum, the first history museum in the United States designed specifically for children. She also oversaw the opening of the Center for Women's History in 2017, which reveals the untold stories of women who have shaped the American experience. Mirrer has authored four books and numerous articles in the humanities. She was inducted into the Crain’s New York Business Hall of Fame in 2018 and became a Member of the Council on Foreign Relations in 2017.
This year marks the centennial of the landmark passage of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. It is especially appropriate that we recognize these two extraordinary women for their leadership and profound commitment to advance informed and engaged citizenry, providing us with insights and inspiration to help us participate in our democracy in meaningful ways.Martha McGeary Snider, Museum Board Vice Chair and co-chair of the 2020 Lenfest Award
Thank You
The Museum of the American Revolution is grateful to the following supporters, who have been steadfast in their support, converting their tickets and sponsorships to support the Museum through this closure.
Presented by Bank of America
Honorary Co-Chairs
Marguerite Lenfest and Diane Myer
Event Co-Chairs
Martha McGeary Snider and Sarena Snider
Committee of Revolutionary Women
Kim Adler, Romona Riscoe Benson, Ellen Bockius, Karen Dougherty Buchholz, Julia Buchholz, Joyce Cowin, Elizabeth Dater, Lisa Detwiler, Lynn Dever, Rachel Glyn, Carole Haas Gravagno, Rebecca Humphrey, Ellen Jumper, Vicki Le Vine, Sara Lomax-Reese, Deborah O’Brien, Nancy Offit, Margot Perot, Kate Shields, Mary Treanor, Elizabeth Wahlquist, Binney Wietlisbach, Dalila Wilson-Scott
Table Hosts
Elizabeth Dater, Morris Offit, Martha McGeary Snider
“It is my very great pleasure to send congratulations to Louise Mirrer on the occasion of her honor by the Museum of the American Revolution. Louise is an inspirational leader, a great intellect, with an amazing talent for coordinating curators, artists, historians, political community, trustees, exhibitions, and staff as well as maintaining leadership of growth and often challenging attendant circumstances. On behalf of the Trustees of the New-York Historical Society, we are proud to pay tribute to Louise as well as our debt of gratitude to her for imagination, contribution, and role in her creating the major success of the New-York Historical Society and Library.” - Elizabeth B. Dater, Trustee and Executive Committee Member, New-York Historical Society
Committee Sponsors
Ballard Spahr, BlackRock, Comcast NBCUniversal, The Haverford Trust Company, Macro Consultants, PECO, Snider Foundation
Ad Sponsors
Brown & Brown, Independence Blue Cross, INTECH Construction, Pritzker Military Museum and Library, Pam Schafler
In-Kind Contributions
Donna Lawrence Productions
Additional support from:
John Aglialoro and Joan Carter
Timothy and Pam Alles
Tim and Peggy Barnes
Eric Blair-Joannou
Christopher and Susan Cowie
Duane Deaner
Peggy Duckett and George Drach
Bruce Foulke
Harold Honickman and Family
Joe and Louise Huber
Ken and Kitten Klaus
David and Dorothy Mink
Steven and Mara Saltzman
Will and Valerie Schwartz
Peggy and Jeff Shaver
Michael and Elizabeth Useem
Laurie Wagman
About the Lenfest Award
The Museum’s late Founding Chairman H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest created and endowed the award in 2016. The Lenfest Award is presented on a semi-regular basis and may be given to an individual or to an organization active in a broad range of fields such as history, education, filmmaking, writing, media, and philanthropy.
Learn More
Lenfest Spirit of the American Revolution Award
