The founder of Keno Auctions in New York, Leigh Keno has been involved in the art and antiques industry for more than 40 years. He lectures around the United States about various topics relating to art and antiques and serves as an appraiser on Antiques Roadshow. In 2005, at a ceremony in the Oval Office, Leigh Keno was recognized for his impact on American arts and given the National Humanities Medal by President George W. Bush.
An annual award given out by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Humanities Medal was first inaugurated in 1997. It replaces the Charles Frankel Prize in the Humanities, an award that was was established in 1988 and recognized individuals who positively impacted American’s knowledge of and interest in the humanities. Leigh Keno was presented the award because of his impact on millions of weekly viewers of PBS who have learned about material culture, American history and the importance of preservation as it relates to American furniture and folk art.
The National Humanities Medal is presented by tuhe President of the United States and is given to both groups and individuals. Recipients of the award must be engaged in work that expands citizen engagement with philosophy, literature, and other humanities subjects and improves their understanding of the humanities.
Up to 12 medals are given out each year by the President. Leigh Keno's twin brother, Leslie Keno, was also awarded the Medal at the White House. Over the years, the National Humanities Medal has been given to such individuals as Ron Chernow, Joyce Carol Oates, and John Ashbery.
