Georgetown’s House of Sweden played host to the Philip Merrill Award dinner honoring Pulitzer Prize–winning author David McCullough ( 1776, John Adams, Truman). Photograph by Zaid Hamid
The Washingtonian’s Catherine Merrill Williams told anecdotes about Mr. McCullough and his teaching style. Williams was a student in one of McCullough’s classes. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
David McCullough listens to one of several distinguished speakers who gave guests a clearer picture of McCullough as a historian and an educator. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
Jay Walker, one of America’s best-known business entrepreneurs, shared with highlights of McCullough’s storytelling acumen and devotion to a historical education. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
Daniel Jordan, former head of the nonprofit Thomas Jefferson Foundation which owns and operates Monticello, shared his historical knowledge with the guests and commended McCullough on his work. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
Director emeritus of the National Museum of American History Brent Glass shared the details of his correspondence with McCullough. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
Richard Norton Smith, presidential historian and former head of six presidential libraries, entertained the audience with a vivid and historically robust snapshot of McCullough’s work. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
The man of the hour, David McCullough, inspired guests with a speech on the importance of passionate educators in American schools. By focusing less on textbooks and making history come alive, teachers could help students become historically literate. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
McCullough’s extensive (and crowd-pleasing) historical knowledge comes from years of devoted study of his subjects. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
“I’m over the moon,” said a visibly touched McCullough. His prize was a fire bucket, which he said symbolizes one’s love of country. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
David McCullough stands with Rep. Tom Petri, ACTA president Anne Neal, and Jay Walker. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
McCullough poses with the Philip Merrill Award prize, a custom-made fire bucket. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
McCullough and Anne Neal, president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, confer following the tribute gala. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
McCullough autographs his book 1776 for guests at dinner. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
David McCullough and his wife, Rosalee, join his former student Cathy Merrill Williams following dinner. Williams, daughter of the award’s namesake, is now president and publisher of The Washingtonian. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
Anne Neal, president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, David and Rosalee McCullough, and Catherine Merrill Williams wrap up an evening of tribute to Mr. McCullough, this year’s Philip Merrill Award winner. Photograph by Zaid Hamid
