A Centennial Memorial 1876

George Hampden Lovett created this medal to commemorate the centennial of American independence. It was 1876, just over a decade after the end of the Civil War. The image of George Washington, the first president of the United States, is centered on the medal. But, of course, the promise of freedom and equality was far from a reality for all Americans at this time. The medal presents an idealized version of American history, one that largely excludes the experiences and contributions of marginalized groups, such as African Americans, Native Americans, and women. As you look at the medal, consider whose stories are missing. The medal encourages a sense of national pride. Yet, it also prompts us to reflect on the complexities and contradictions inherent in the American experiment. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of a more just and equitable society is an ongoing process.