This June, Ralph Lauren will receive a James Smithson Bicentennial Medal, in recognition of his influence upon American entrepreneurship, creativity and artistry. Lauren took a leadership role in running a team to preserve the Star-Spangled Banner at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, this position and dedication is what lead to the appointment of the medal. The flag itself is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.
The designer also made a substantial donation to start the “Save America’s Treasures campaign”, donating $13 million to the cause in 1998. This project was instated to protect some of the key pieces of North American history that had been deteriorating over time, one piece being the Star Spangled Banner. The project was completed in 2006.
Ralph Lauren will attend the ceremony along side political dignitaries and constituents from the Smithsonian Institution; he is the 70th recipient of the award since 1990. The Medal was founded in 1965 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Smithson, the original founder of the Smithsonian Institution, and many famous names have received the medal prior to Lauren, including Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood and George Lucas to name a few.
