Gilder Lehrman Institute's Twelfth Annual Gala Honors Gates, Rockefeller, and Stapleton

The Gilder Lehrman Institute held its twelfth annual Gala on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 in New York City. The Gala honored Debbie and Craig Stapleton, Valerie Rockefeller, and Henry Louis Gates, Jr. History lovers including business and civic leaders, renowned scholars, theatrical stars and writers, and other Institute supporters joined with teachers, students, and Gilder Lehrman staff for a night of celebration.

Student performers chosen from the Hamilton Education Program entertained guests, and Vanessa Sears, a surprise guest from the current Broadway revival of New York, New York performed the show's theme song. All honorees were introduced by members of the Gilder Lehrman Student Advisory Council.

The honorees all spoke about the importance of history education and of their commitment to the mission of the Gilder Lehrman Institute. Short videos highlighted the honorees’ backgrounds and connection to GLI.

Debbie and Craig Stapleton, who served as ambassadors to France and the Czech Republic, focused on their dedication to the teaching of history as a means of preserving democracy.

Valerie Rockefeller spoke about her background in special education and how the Institute allowed her to use primary source documents in her classes before she became a full-time philanthropist engaged in humanitarian and environmental causes.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr., made clear that, despite his accolades and titles as a documentarian, television personality, and history scholar, he is first and foremost a teacher who believes in supporting other teachers as the Gilder Lehrman Institute does every day. He spoke also of the importance of the scholarly research now being done into Black American history and his belief that any person can do that research regardless of race.

After a full evening of celebrating the significance of American history, history teachers, and especially students whose education is enriched by the work of the Institute, guests left reinvigorated and excited to continue into the future with the Gilder Lehrman Institute.