Smithsonian To Present Great Americans Medal to Ava DuVernay

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will present its 10th Great Americans Medal to Ava DuVernay May 8 for her extraordinary contributions to the nation as a director, writer, producer and film distributor. The presentation, with a conversation, is part of the Great Americans Medal Awards Program, the museum’s signature honor.

Supported by philanthropist and Smithsonian Regent Emeritus David M. Rubenstein, the award ceremony will include a conversation between Rubenstein and DuVernay. The Great Americans Medal will be presented to DuVernay for her lifetime contributions embodying American ideas and ideals from the museum’s Elizabeth MacMillan Director Anthea M. Hartig with Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III.

Since its inception in 2016, the Great Americans Medal Award Program has honored trailblazers who have made a lasting impact in their fields and whose philanthropic and humanitarian endeavors have set them apart.

The medal presentation will be webcast live at 7 p.m. ET, and the link will be provided to those who preregister.

Previous honorees include Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright, Gen. Colin L. Powell, Thomas J. Brokaw, Cal Ripken Jr., Billie Jean King, Paul Simon, Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Yo-Yo Ma  and posthumously to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Videos of previous recipients along with more information can be found on the Great Americans website and on the Great Americans YouTube playlist.

About the Great Americans Medal

The museum will present DuVernay with a specially minted 14-karat gold medal struck in Wisconsin. It features an American eagle with sun rays on the obverse or “head’s side” with the words “Great Americans” and “National Museum of American History” engraved around the edge. The reverse side honors one of the museum’s most important treasures, the Star-Spangled Banner, and states the Smithsonian’s mission: “For the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” The medal was made possible by museum board member Jeff Garrett and designed by Michael Guilfoyle, an international designer of coins and medals.

Through incomparable collections, rigorous research and dynamic public outreach, the National Museum of American History seeks to empower people to create a more just and compassionate future by examining, preserving and sharing the complexity of our past. The museum, located on Constitution Avenue N.W., between 12th and 14th streets, is open daily except Dec. 25, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. The doors of the museum are always open online, and the virtual museum continues to expand its offerings, including online exhibitions, PK–12 educational materials and programs. The public can follow the museum on social media on Instagram and Facebook. For more information, go to https://americanhistory.si.edu. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000.