Congratulations Lin-Manuel Miranda, Freedom Award Winner!

Lin-Manuel Miranda received the 2017 US Capitol Historical Society Freedom Award on September 12 for his efforts in creating the musical Hamilton and the Hamilton Education Program, a program developed in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute and The Rockefeller Foundation.

"We are very honored to present this award to Mr. Miranda," said Donald Carlson, chair of the US Capitol Historical Society. "We give him this award because of his unique ability to engage new audiences with our history and his dedication to inspiring informed civic participation."

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman John Lewis joined Chairman Carlson in honoring Lin-Manuel Miranda’s work. Senator Murkowski praised Miranda "for his commitment to the strength and value of our democracy—for surely no one could write Hamilton, bring it to theaters, educate students about the man and his times—if he did not love his country and all that it can be."

In his acceptance speech, Miranda stressed the importance of the arts in fostering empathy and humanity—two traits that help young adults grow into better citizens. He explained that his life was changed by the opportunity to participate in a performing arts program at a New York City public school, and expressed his belief that all students deserve access to the arts.

It was through this belief that the Hamilton Education Program was born, which Miranda called the highlight of his Hamilton efforts as well as the aspect that will leave the largest legacy in inspiring the next generation of American leaders to be mindful of how they leave their mark on their country.

Watch the entire ceremony below: