The Broadway hit musical “Hamilton” and historian Ron Chernow, whose book inspired the show, will receive the National Constitution Center’s Liberty Medal this fall. This award recognizes efforts to promote liberty worldwide and comes with a $100,000 prize. The ceremony will take place in October on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall.
Organizers praised both the book and musical for their unique role in bringing the story of the U.S. Constitution and Alexander Hamilton to life. Hamilton was a key figure in drafting and advocating for the Constitution and served as the first U.S. Treasury Secretary.
Since its Broadway debut a decade ago, “Hamilton” has become a cultural phenomenon, winning numerous awards including a Pulitzer Prize, a Grammy, and 11 Tonys. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the musical, called receiving the award a profound honor. He emphasized that the Constitution is not just a historical document but a call to action to engage and strive for a better union.
Ron Chernow, who has authored biographies of George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, and Mark Twain, reflected on the theme of liberty. He said liberty is not simply inherited but a responsibility that requires courage, compromise, and dedication. While these historical figures were flawed, they aspired to achieve something greater than themselves.
The Liberty Medal, established in 1988 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Constitution’s signing, has previously honored notable figures such as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.
