David M. Rubenstein Prize for the Advancement of American History
David M. Rubenstein Prize for the Advancement of American History
The David M. Rubenstein Prize for the Advancement of American History pays tribute to those who have made significant contributions to promoting knowledge and understanding of American history. Founded by financier and philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, the winner will receive $250,000, a citation certificate, and an inscribed bronze medallion. The winner will be interviewed on stage by Mr. Rubenstein at a gala dinner in Palm Beach on February 20, 2027. (Learn more about attending.)
The annual award seeks to honor a living historian, writer, teacher, filmmaker, podcaster, social media producer, or leader of a professional, philanthropic, or cultural organization who consistently and significantly helps the public to better understand the nation’s past. Each year the prize winner will be selected by a jury made up of experts from the fields of history, education, publishing, social media, and culture. The inaugural panel of judges includes historian Beverly Gage, scholar Annette Gordon-Reed, biographer Jon Meacham, journalist Fareed Zakaria, and Made by Us Executive Director Caroline Klibanoff. The first three jurors are also Scholar Trustees of The New York Historical.
Nominations for the David M. Rubenstein Prize for the Advancement of American History are now closed. Email dmrprize@nyhistory.org with any questions.
The 2026 Winner: Ken Burns
The New York Historical is pleased to announce that documentary filmmaker Ken Burns is the inaugural recipient of the David M. Rubenstein Prize for the Advancement of American History. Said the jury: "Ken’s films have brought the history of the nation to more people in our time than perhaps any other body of work by one person, shedding light on our virtues and our vices."
Burns will be honored at an award ceremony on Feb. 20, 2027, in Palm Beach, FL.
Rubenstein Prize FAQ
