The Museum of the American Revolution will honor Indigenous actor and activist Wes Studi and others at its June 12th gala.
Since its creation in 2017, the Museum of the American Revolution’s Lenfest Spirit of the American Revolution Award has honored “individuals who advance public awareness and understanding of history and its relevance in the ongoing American experiment.” The award has been presented to CNN Chief International Anchor Christiane Amanpour, documentarian Ken Burns, and author David McCullough, among other trailblazing individuals. This year, iconic Cherokee actor Wes Studi will join the ranks in a gala celebration on June 12, 2025 in Philadelphia.
The museum will invite other Native American industry leaders to the gala in conjunction with the museum’s new Native American Interpretive Program. Studi, who was selected for the award for his groundbreaking portrayal of fully developed Native American characters and non-traditional Indigenous roles, will receive $25,000 in addition to the prestigious title.
“The Museum of the American Revolution was founded with the intention to present a nuanced interpretation of our nation’s founding, one that acknowledges the complexities and costs as well as the triumphs and achievements in our shared experience,” said President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson. “As we prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we are thrilled to recognize Wes Studi for his remarkable career that has done so much to shape public understanding and appreciation of the cultures and histories of America’s Indigenous peoples, in the past and the present.”
In addition to his roles in more than 80 films and TV series, Oscar-winning actor and cover star Wes Studi is also well-known for his activism and outreach. After volunteering to serve in Vietnam, Studi returned to his native Oklahoma to join the American Indian Movement, which began in 1968. He later participated in the occupation of Wounded Knee in South Dakota in 1973. He has continued to champion Native American issues through his portrayal of Indigenous characters, a severely underrepresented demographic in mainstream media.
Tickets for the gala celebrating Studi and others will go on sale in early 2025, and interested guests can email [email protected] to be notified when tickets become available. The proceeds from the gala will benefit the museum’s educational mission to “uncover and share compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government.”
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of the Museum of the American Revolution
