- Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns has been named the inaugural recipient of the $250,000 David M. Rubenstein Prize for the Advancement of American History.
- Presented by The New York Historical museum, the award recognizes Burns for his significant contributions to promoting the knowledge and understanding of American history through iconic films on the Civil War, the Vietnam War, and the American Revolution.
- A distinguished prize jury featuring Pulitzer Prize winners Annette Gordon-Reed and Jon Meacham praised Burns for bringing the nation's history to millions while illuminating both its virtues and vices.
- The prize was established earlier this year by financier, philanthropist, and Baltimore Orioles owner David M. Rubenstein to celebrate achievements in American history education.
- Expressing his gratitude, the 73-year-old director stated he was deeply humbled and credited generations of historians and archivists whose work forms the foundation of his documentary projects.
