The National Constitution Center is set to honor the groundbreaking Broadway musical Hamilton and its creator Ron Chernow with the prestigious 37th annual Liberty Medal.
This accolade celebrates their significant contributions to American civic education as Hamilton marks its 10th anniversary this year.
The award recognizes how both the musical and the influential biography have invigorated public interest in the U.S. Constitution and the ideals central to America’s founding.
The ceremony commemorating this honor will take place on October 17, 2025, at a location with a stunning view of Independence Mall, as America approaches its 250th anniversary.
Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, expressed enthusiasm regarding the award: “The National Constitution Center is thrilled to present the Liberty Medal to Hamilton and to the great American historian Ron Chernow.”
He further noted that Chernow’s biographies, particularly those focusing on historical figures like Alexander Hamilton and George Washington, have captivated audiences globally, sparking a renewed interest in civic engagement and constitutional principles.
Hamilton, which is rooted in Chernow’s celebrated biography and features a distinctive score that fuses hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, has made a lasting impression across various segments of society including culture, politics, and education.
The musical has received numerous accolades, including 11 Tony Awards, Grammy and Olivier Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and even a special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors—unprecedented for a Broadway show.
The production showcases a remarkable creative team, with Lin-Manuel Miranda responsible for the book, music, and lyrics, along with direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire.
Notably, Hamilton’s share of the Liberty Medal prize will support the Gilder Lehrman’s Hamilton Education Program.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, who created Hamilton, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating: “I’m deeply honored that Hamilton is a recipient of the Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center—an institution that celebrates the document that shaped our nation and continues to shape our struggles, our progress, and our promise.”
Miranda emphasized that his intent in crafting the musical was to portray one of America’s more complex Founding Fathers while also engaging new generations in the American narrative.
According to him, the Constitution transcends a mere historical relic; it serves as an ongoing challenge and a beckoning for active participation from citizens striving towards a more perfect union.
Ron Chernow, the gifted historian behind the acclaimed biographies, has dedicated his life to making American history accessible and vivid through his storytelling.
His first work, The House of Morgan, was honored with the National Book Award, while Washington: A Life earned him a Pulitzer Prize for Biography.
Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton was awarded the George Washington Book Prize, showcasing his profound impact on the understanding of American history.
In recognition of his extensive contributions, he has received nine honorary doctorates and was recently praised for his biography of Mark Twain, which debuted at number one on The New York Times bestseller list.
On receiving the Liberty Medal, Chernow remarked: “To receive the Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center is an extraordinary honor—especially for someone who has spent a lifetime trying to illuminate the lives of extraordinary Americans who shaped the liberties we cherish.”
He added that through his writings on Hamilton, Washington, and Grant, it became clear to him that liberty is not merely inherited.
Rather, it is a responsibility necessitating courage, compromise, and dedication, and he described the Founding Fathers as imperfect visionaries who aimed for something greater than themselves.
image source from：broadwayworld
