WASHINGTON—On September 30, 2026, the National Archives Foundation will honor George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello with its prestigious Records of Achievement Award for their significant roles in chronicling and promoting the American story.
The evening event will be held at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C. and feature the award presentation, a theater program with historian Douglas Brinkley and Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, and a black-tie dinner in the iconic Rotunda space.
These sites were selected for their significant contributions to furthering the American public’s understanding of early American history. From centering stories of marginalized communities to cutting-edge research, both Mount Vernon and Monticello exemplify the core spirit of the award. Previous recipients have spanned filmmaking, scholarship, and journalism, and this year’s selection of two historical sites affirms how these places are vital instruments of public historical understanding.
“Historic sites like Mount Vernon and Monticello are essential stewards of our shared heritage, preserving both the physical spaces and the stories that shaped our nascent nation,” said Secretary Rodney E. Slater, Chair and President of the National Archives Foundation Board of Directors. “Each year, these two sites bring American history to life in vivid, memorable ways for hundreds of thousands of visitors through the stories and lives of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, respectively.”
“Mount Vernon is honored to join the National Archives Foundation and Monticello for this special celebration of our shared American story,” said Dr. Doug Bradburn, president and CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon. “At the heart of our mission is educating visitors about the life and legacies of George Washington, so that his example of character and leadership will continue to inform and inspire future generations. Through the careful preservation of his home and estate, as well as scholarship, exhibitions, and educational programs, Mount Vernon remains committed to helping people better understand Washington’s world and the founding of our nation.”
“We are deeply honored to receive the National Archives Foundation’s Records of Achievement Award,” said Dr. Jane Kamensky, president and CEO of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. “We are proud to preserve Thomas Jefferson’s home and ideals through world-class tours, cutting-edge scholarship, inspiring programs, and educational outreach to learners of all ages. As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, there could be no better time to share this work and deepen public understanding of the ideas, people, and conversations that continue to shape American democracy.”
The 2026 Records of Achievement Award Ceremony and Gala is made possible in part by Governor Jim and Janet Blanchard,
Anne S. Chao, Edgeworth Economics, Marilynn and John Hill, Karen Pritzker, and David M. Rubenstein.
About the Records of Achievement Award
The Records of Achievement Award is the National Archives Foundation’s highest honor bestowed upon individuals whose contributions have fostered a broader national awareness of the history and heritage of the United States as exemplified in the National Archives’ records. Through their work and engagement with the holdings of the National Archives, recipients educate, enrich, and inspire a deeper appreciation of our country, its ideals and its aspirations.
Previous recipients of the Foundation’s award include: Martin Scorsese, Lily Gladstone, David Grann, Secretary Lonnie Bunch, Michael Beschloss, Jon Meacham, First Lady Laura Bush, the late Cokie Roberts, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Ken Burns, David M. Rubenstein, the late John Hope Franklin, the late David McCullough, Tom Brokaw, Annette Gordon-Reed, Brian Lamb and C-SPAN, James McPherson, Robert Edsel, Taylor Branch, and the stars and creators of the Broadway musical “Hamilton” – Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, and Ron Chernow.
About the National Archives Foundation
The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at www.archivesfoundation.org.
About George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States. The estate is open to visitors and includes the Mansion, a museum and education center, gardens, tombs, a working farm, a functioning distillery, and a gristmill, as well as the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. Learn more at www.mountvernon.org.
About Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation was incorporated in 1923 to preserve Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Virginia. As a civic institution, Monticello seeks to increase knowledge and share the ideals Jefferson articulated in the Declaration of Independence through programming and scholarship built upon a foundation of rigorous research.
Monticello is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a United Nations World Heritage Site, and a Site of Conscience. As a private, nonprofit organization, Monticello receives no ongoing local, state, or federal funding. Visitors and the generosity of donors make Monticello’s twofold mission of preservation and education possible. For information, visit www.monticello.org.
