Ken Griffin, CEO of Citadel, believes that American prosperity is proof of the power of the constitution. And when the country celebrates its 250th anniversary next year, the hedge fund billionaire would like to expand public access to the document from 1787.
Griffin announced on Tuesday that he will award the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia for a public exhibit that is dedicated to the founding document of the US government, its initial agency of the constitution. He will also borrow his copy of the Bill of Rights, which he has not previously recognized publicly.
“The authors of the constitution had an incredible foresight in the design of a government system that was withstanding the test of time and protects the American dream more than ever,” said Griffin in an explanation.
Jeffrey Rosen, CEO of the National Constitutional Center, described Griffin Loan of the Documents and the donation as a “transformative opportunity”.
“Ken Griffin generosity will enable us to create a new founding principle gallery that will tell the history of the American idea from the revolution through the constitutional convention by ratification and until the Bill of Rights,” said Rosen, adding that the modern exhibition was also marked since the center of 2003 was opened in 2003.
The support comes when the constitution is increasingly cited, since all three government branches control questions about who should control what.
“The mission of the constitutional center has never been more relevant,” said Rosen, adding that the non -partisan non -partisan center tries to reduce polarization by offering a platform for conservative and liberal constitutional scientists. “It is an honor to convene people from different perspectives for these constitutional debates and conversations. And we look forward to continuing this discussions.”
Griffin, a long -time Republican megadonor, recently drew attention to his criticism of President Donald Trump.
“The United States were more than just one nation. It is a brand,” said Griffin last month at the Semafor World Economy Summit. “It was like an endeavor to most of the world. And we are eroding this brand.”
But Griffin’s representatives said that the donation and the loan to the NCC had been planned for years.
“The national constitutional center is a strong platform to celebrate the founding principles of our country,” said Julia Quinn, director of philanthropy. “The work it has done to sharpen the awareness and understanding of the constitution both in the center itself and through its widespread educational programs is best in class and we are enthusiastic about this partnership.”
Griffin bought the uncommon first pressure of the constitution at Sotheby’s in New York for $ 43.2 million in 2021 to provide the document for public inspection. He refused to say when he acquired the uncommon first pressure of 17 proposed constitutional changes, which in 1789 was passed by the House of Representatives to examine the Senate – which became the Bill of Rights after the further debate.
Caroline Klibanoff, Executive Director of Mad Made, a non -profit organization that helps museums and history institutions to get in touch with them under 30 years, said that it was an “incredible opportunity” to assist members of the greatest generation of youth to link their future with the youth generation.
And at a time when younger generations show increased distrust of institutions, the national constitutional center can tackle this problem through the presentation of such essential documents, said Kilbanoff.
“You are the generation of the factual test. You want to see the original source material and do not take over your interpretation for it,” she said. “The documents in the foreground are really desirable.”
Griffin’s team said that he wanted to celebrate the indispensable American values of individual freedom, democracy and opportunities with his philanthropy – including his support for the recently opened National Medal of Honor Museum and his donation to the National Constitution Center.
“Ken loves America and has shown an extraordinary commitment to our founding principles,” said Cason Carter, head of the public affairs of citadels. “He very much takes care of expanding access to the American dream that is underpinned by these historical documents, and he believes that America is worth celebrating, especially in his 250th anniversary.”
______
Associated press reporting on philanthropy and non -profit organizations is supported by the cooperation of the AP with the conversation, with the financing of Lilly Endowment Inc. AP is only responsible for this content. For the entire philanthropy report from AP can be found at https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.
