The National Humanities Medal is an American award that annually recognizes several individuals, groups, or institutions for work that has "deepened the nation's understanding of the
humanities
Humanities are academic disciplines that study aspects of human society and culture. In the Renaissance, the term contrasted with divinity and referred to what is now called classics, the main area of secular study in universities at the t ...
, broadened our citizens' engagement with the humanities, or helped preserve and expand Americans' access to important resources in the humanities."
The annual
Charles Frankel
Charles Frankel (December 13, 1917 – May 10, 1979) was an American philosopher, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State, professor and founding director of the National Humanities Center.
Early life and personal life
Born into a Jewish family in New ...
Prize in the Humanities was established in 1988 and succeeded by the National Humanities Medal in 1997. The token is a bronze medal designed by a 1995 Frankel Prize winner,
David Macaulay.
[
Medals are conferred annually, usually by the U.S. President, to as many as twelve living candidates and existing organizations nominated early in the calendar year. The president selects the winners in consultation with the ]National Endowment for the Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is an independent federal agency of the U.S. government, established by thNational Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965(), dedicated to supporting research, education, preserv ...
(NEH). NEH asks that nominators consult the list of previous winners and consider the National Medal of Arts to recognize contributions in "the creative or performing arts".
Recipients
Medalists are listed by year, then alphabetically by surname.
;2022
* Elton John
;2021
*None awarded
;2020
;2019
;2018
*None awarded
;2017
*None awarded
;2016
*None awarded
;2015
;2014
;2013
;2012
;2011
;2010
;2009
;2008
;2007
;2006
;2005
;2004
;2003
;2002
;2001
;2000
;1999
;1998
;1997
Charles Frankel Prize
;1996
;1995
;1994
;1993
;1992
;1991
;1990
;1989
References
{{reflist
Awards established in 1988
Humanities awards
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