Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History was founded in New York City by businessmen-philanthropists Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman in 1994. Its stated mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.
Despite the conservative political activist credentials of its two founders, some prominent liberal historians familiar with them, including David Brion Davis and Henry Louis Gates [Jr.] insist that the two founders did not let their own political ideology influence their promotion and preservation of history, or the teachings of their organizations.
Prizes
In 1990 the $50,000 Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize was established by the institute and Gettysburg College.In 1999 the $25,000 Frederick Douglass Book Prize was established by the institute.
In 2005 the $50,000 George Washington Book Prize was established by the institute, Washington College, and George Washington's Mount Vernon.