Claremont Honors Dr. Charles R. Kesler with the Henry Salvatori Prize

Friends, supporters, and Claremont Fellowship alumni gathered at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate on Constitution Day to present the 2026 Henry Salvatori Prize in the American Founding to Dr. Charles R. Kesler, honoring his nearly five decades of scholarship, teaching, and writing.

In presenting the award, Claremont President Ryan P. Williams spoke not only of Dr. Kesler’s scholarly achievements, but also of the generations of students whose lives and work he has shaped. Three generations of his students were represented at the gathering, a testament to the reach of his teaching and the relationships he has built over the years. Mr. Williams highlighted Dr. Kesler’s generosity as a mentor and friend, as well as his lasting contribution to helping Americans better understand their country and think more clearly about its political and intellectual traditions.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Kesler reflected on the life and legacy of Henry Salvatori, one of the Institute’s earliest and most generous supporters. Salvatori’s journey from Italian immigrant to successful businessman and prominent conservative philanthropist reflected his profound appreciation for America and its promise. Dr. Kesler drew a connection between that legacy and the Institute’s continuing work, stressing that the preservation of free government depends on sound principles, wise judgment, and moral character.

The gathering was especially fitting in this 250th anniversary year of American independence. At its heart was a recognition that the principles upon which the nation was founded require more than admiration; they require careful study and a willingness to defend them. That work has been central to the Claremont Institute’s mission from the beginning, and Dr. Kesler’s career has been an important part of it.

Watch footage from the unforgettable evening below.