Today, Virginia Humanities announced three recipients of the 2026 Commonwealth Humanities Award. The award celebrates remarkable individuals and organizations who have made exceptional contributions to the humanities in Virginia and who have made a significant impact on Virginia’s cultural landscape.
“As an exploration of human stories, beliefs, and creativity, the humanities help us create and question our values and how we should live,” said Matthew Gibson, Virginia Humanities’ executive director. “We established the Commonwealth Humanities Award as a way to recognize the great work that other institutions and individuals are doing to examine those questions, strengthen social connection, and build a more civically engaged society.”
As an exploration of human stories, beliefs, and creativity, the humanities help us create and question our values and how we should live.
Matthew Gibson
Three recipients will be formally honored during a special awards presentation preceding the 2026 Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities on October 15 in Richmond at the Dominion Energy Theater.
Individual Excellence
Chief Stephen R. Adkins of the Chickahominy Tribe: For his lifelong leadership in preserving and celebrating Indigenous history and culture, his advocacy for Virginia Indian tribes and representation of Native American voices in America’s leadership and story, and his contributions to the humanities through service and community leadership.
Corporate or Foundation Excellence
Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation: For their extraordinary commitment to advancing Virginia’s cultural landscape by supporting education, cultural organizations, historic preservation, and community initiatives that connect Virginians to one another and to the people, places, and stories that shape our commonwealth.
Community Partner Excellence
Fluvanna Historical Society: For its decades of work preserving the history of Fluvanna County and its communities through education, research, and stewardship of local heritage, including its groundbreaking Oak Hill Cemetery Project, which uncovered, documented, and shared stories that might otherwise have been lost and created new opportunities for reflection, learning, and public engagement with Virginia’s past.
Explore More
- Get tickets to the Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities with Carly Fiorina
- Learn more about the lecture and awards ceremony
About Virginia Humanities
Virginia Humanities is the state humanities council. We’re headquartered in Charlottesville at the University of Virginia, but we serve the entire state. We aim to share the stories of all Virginians—or, better yet, find ways for people to share their own stories. We want Virginians to connect with their history and culture and, in doing that, we hope we’ll all get to know each other a little better. Founded in 1974, we are one of fifty-six humanities councils created by Congress with money and support from the National Endowment for the Humanities to make the humanities available to all Americans. To learn more, visit VirginiaHumanities.org.
