Ken Burns Honored with 2026 Dwight D. Eisenhower Medal for Leadership

Ken Burns to Receive the 2026 Dwight D. Eisenhower Medal

Philadelphia, November 13, 2025 – Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) has announced that the celebrated documentary filmmaker Ken Burns is set to receive the esteemed 2026 Dwight D. Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Service. This award recognizes Burns for his incredible contributions in enhancing public understanding of American history, culture, and civic life, coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary.

The Eisenhower Medal honors the legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, acknowledging individuals who reflect his dedication to leadership, service, and the promotion of international understanding among diverse cultures. Dr. Robert M. Gates, chair of the Eisenhower Fellowships and former U.S. Secretary of Defense, will present the medal to Burns during the Annual Awards Dinner on May 13, 2026, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

Dr. Gates praised Burns, stating, "Ken Burns has dedicated his life's work to documenting the story of America, showcasing both its inspiring triumphs and sorrowful tragedies in a manner that brings us closer to understanding our identity as a people. His artistry and commitment to public service via storytelling render him a deserving recipient of this recognition as our nation readies to mark its 250th birthday."

Over a career that has spanned more than four decades, Burns has produced some of the most celebrated and widely watched historical documentaries. His acclaimed titles such as The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, and The Vietnam War, alongside compelling narratives like The U.S. and the Holocaust and The War—which focuses on World War II—have captured America's rich and complex history for millions across the globe. His much-anticipated six-part documentary, The American Revolution, is set to premiere on November 16, adding to his remarkable body of work.

Dr. Gates emphasized the significance of Burns's productions, noting their strong resonance with EF’s mission and vision. Burns's documentaries not only cover significant armed conflicts and critical moments in American history but also delve into the lives of pivotal figures who have shaped the nation, including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, Jackie Robinson, and Ernest Hemingway.

In each portrayal, Dr. Gates noted, "Ken Burns paints a powerful picture of the challenges of leadership and moral dilemmas, thus honoring President Eisenhower's legacy—a soldier turned statesman who was weary of war and believed deeply in the potential of people-to-people exchanges, envisioning a world that is more peaceful, prosperous, and just."

Burns joins an illustrious list of previous Eisenhower Medal recipients, which includes luminaries such as former Secretaries of State Colin Powell, Henry Kissinger, and Madeleine Albright, along with influential figures like Melinda French Gates, David Rubenstein, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, and late Senator John McCain, among others.

The Eisenhower Fellowships, established in 1953 as a tribute to President Eisenhower, is a prominent international leadership exchange organization. It has facilitated the exchange of over 2,700 leaders from various professional backgrounds across 118 countries. The organization has been at the forefront of promoting understanding and leadership, aligning perfectly with the essence of the Eisenhower Medal.

As the nation prepares to celebrate a historic quarter-millennium, Ken Burns' recognition with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Medal stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in understanding the past, shaping the present, and inspiring future generations.