Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns to be honored by Virginia museum

Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns will be awarded the first Commonwealth Prize, an honor for patriotic service or extraordinary and lasting contributions to the history and culture of Virginia.

The honor, a legacy initiative of the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, will be presented at an event on Feb. 5, 2026, at the museum.

The museum’s president said they look forward to recognizing Burns for his last contributions to the nation and Commonwealth.

Burns has been making some of the most acclaimed historical documentary films for almost 50 years including “The War” and “Baseball.”

In his most recent project, “The American Revolution,” Burns examines the story of 13 British colonies that won independence and established a new form of government that inspired centuries of democratic movements around the globe.

“Ken Burns is one of the great storytellers and educators of our time. He has transformed the way Americans engage with our past,” said Jamie Bosket, president & CEO of the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.

“His masterful approach to history, rigorous research and iconic and innovative techniques make our collective American story come alive for audiences in an approachable and engaging way.”

His films have been honored with dozens of major awards, including 17 Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards and two Oscar nominations.

In September of 2008, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and, in 2022, he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.

The Commonwealth Prize is made possible by an endowment from Lisa and Bill Moore.

For event details and ticket information, visit VirginiaHistory.org/Prize.

Crafting the Commonwealth Prize medal

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The Commonwealth Prize medal was crafted by artisans with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Hand engraved in silver, the medal draws inspiration from classic Virginia iconography as well as the VMHC’s historic seal.

The front features a silhouette of the Commonwealth adorned with dogwood blossoms and the prize’s motto: Conservatio (preservation), Disciplina (education) and Pietas (service).

Its reverse features the historic facade and motto of the VMHC, which was adopted when the nation celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1876: Condere Et Tradere (To build and pass on).