Centennial of Washington's Inauguration 1889

Charles Cushing Wright created this medal to commemorate the ‘Centennial of Washington’s Inauguration.’ Consider the power of portraiture in shaping national identity and historical memory. Wright's work is not just a commemorative object; it embodies a specific narrative of American history, dominated by the figure of a white, male leader. The profile of George Washington, an enslaver, symbolizes a nation-building project that was inherently linked to the oppression and erasure of Black and Indigenous peoples. This medal prompts us to reflect on how we selectively remember and celebrate historical figures and events, and whose stories are left out of these official narratives. While the medal commemorates a pivotal moment in American history, it also serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions embedded in the nation's founding. It asks us to consider how we can critically engage with historical symbols and narratives.