Awards and Benevolence
The Society presents a number of annual awards:
The Distinguished Patriot Award
The Distinguished Patriot Award, first given in 1961 at the 84th annual George Washington Birthday Ball, has historically been given to an American who has made an outstanding contribution to their field of endeavor and who personifies the principles upon which this country was founded. Past Award recipients have made exceptional efforts in areas such as non-fiction writing, education, historic preservation, military service, police and fire service, media and communications, politics, foreign relations, finance, law, and the arts. The Award is presented at the George Washington Birthday Ball each February.
Left to right: Peter C. Hein, President, Sons of the Revolution℠ in the State of New York, Inc., David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group, leader in patriotic philanthropy, and 2023 Distinguished Patriot Award honoree, Scott M. Dwyer, Executive Director, Sons of the Revolution℠ in the State of New York, Inc. and its Fraunces Tavern® Museum
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Fraunces Tavern® Museum Book Award
The Fraunces Tavern® Museum Book Award has been annually presented since 1972 to the author of the best, newly published work on the American Revolution, combining original scholarship, insight and good writing. The Award is presented at a dinner held by the Society at Fraunces Tavern each April.
Left to right: 2023 Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award Recipient Eric Jay Dolin for Rebels at Sea: Privateering in the American Revolution with Book Committee Chairman Paul Dietrich.
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“What the American Flag Means to Me” Essay and Art Contest
Each Flag Day (on or around June 14), SRNY hosts a Parade and Celebration in Lower Manhattan. One of the highlights of this event is the presentation of awards for the “What the American Flag Means to Me” Essay and Art contest. Students throughout New York City submit their work for a chance for themselves and their school to win plaques and cash prizes. The winning Essays and Artwork remain on display at Fraunces Tavern Museum until the following Flag Day.
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The Knox Trophy
The Knox Trophy was established in 1910 and is the oldest award given to a West Point cadet. The Award is presented at the United States Military Academy (West Point) Convocation Ceremony annually, to the graduating cadet with the highest rating for military efficiency.
Left to right: 2023 Knox Trophy recipient Kyle J. Kass, CDT Brigade Operations Officer with SRNY Color Guard Chairman Emeritus Jonathan Ridgeway.
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The Gustavus Conyngham Award
The Gustavus Conyngham Award is given to a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy midshipman with the best overall performance at sea who intends to sail after graduation. The Award is presented each year at the USMMA Convocation Ceremony.
Left to right: Alan W. (“Willie”) Borst, Jr., Treasurer and Chair of the Law Committee, Sons of the Revolution℠ in the State of New York, Inc. presents the 2023 award to Marine Transportation MIDN Thomas Edmond Leuck.