The Washington prize is jointly presented by Washington College, the Gilder Lehman Institute of American History and by the maintainers of Washington's home in Mount Vernon, Virginia.
“Phillis Wheatley was admired by George Washington, and she led an extraordinary American life. Despite enslavement to a Boston merchant family, she rose to become an unforgettable poet. Her exquisite verse was fearless in questioning issues such as slavery and discontent with British rule," Doug Bradburn, president and CEO of Mount Vernon, said in a statement. "David Waldstreicher’s compelling biography offers a long overdue account of Wheatley’s life and works, expanding our understanding of America’s complex history.”
The prize was created in 2005, with previous winners including Ron Chernow, Annette Gordon-Reed and Rick Atkinson.