Secretary Jewell Announces $18.5 Million Donation to Restore the Lincoln Memorial

Press Release

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell today announced an $18.5 million donation to the National Park Foundation from businessman and philanthropist David M. Rubenstein to repair and restore the Lincoln Memorial and provide future visitors a view of the foundation pillars and historical mementos from workers who built the monument. Presented on Presidents Day and during the National Park Service's Centennial year, the donation is intended to help people better understand the significance of the nation's 16th president, and preserve his ideals and values.

Secretary Jewell was joined at the Lincoln Memorial by David M. Rubenstein, philanthropist and Co-CEO of The Carlyle Group; Jonathan B. Jarvis, director of the National Park Service; Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation; Al Baldwin, vice-chair, National Park Foundation board of directors and chair of the Centennial Campaign for America's National Parks; and Gay Vietzke, National Mall and Memorial Parks superintendent.

"David Rubenstein's generous donation will promote and protect one of the Nation's most hallowed symbols and comes at a critical time as our national parks usher in a new century of service," Secretary Jewell said. "This donation will not only safeguard one of our most visited and recognizable memorials, but will preserve Lincoln's legacy for future generations to appreciate."

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