The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and George Washington’s Mount Vernon note with sadness the death of philanthropist and humanist Lewis E. Lehrman, co-founder and co-chairman of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. https://www.gilderlehrman.org/about/lewis-e-lehrman.
Mr. Lehrman was a force of nature, and a force for good. Over many years, the MVLA and the Gilder Lehrman Institute partnered to advance American history and teacher education and to educate the world about the character and leadership of George Washington. Thanks to Mr. Lehrman and the late Richard Gilder, MVLA announced the George Washington Prize in 2005. Over the last quarter century, the Prize has honored distinguished scholars and writers including Ron Chernow, Lin Manuel Miranda, Rick Atkinson and others for their groundbreaking works on the nation’s founding era.
Lew and his wife Louise were also tremendous supporters of the George Washington Presidential Library and underwrote a lecture series in honor of former Regent Gay Hart Gaines.
On the estate, The Gilder-Lehrman Gallery remains one of the most popular spaces–attracting visitors to its regularly changing exhibits which showcase historic documents and other precious items owned by Mount Vernon.
All of us at Mount Vernon have been inspired by Lew Lehrman’s optimism, character, love of America, and service in the cause of educating our citizens in their rights and duties. He will be missed by all great friends of American history.
