December 22th, 2024

Ken Burns was presented with the Mark Twain Award.

Over two hundred members and guests of the Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York gathered on Friday, November 22nd, at the Society’s 268th Anniversary Banquet.  Ken Burns, the celebrated documentary filmmaker, and a descendant of Robert Burns, was presented with the Mark Twain Award.

Also known as the “Sammy,” Twain’s nickname, the award honors leaders in their fields, of Scottish descent, who have had a significant and positive impact on our world today.

Mr. Burns has directed and produced some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made, including, among others, The Civil War; Baseball; The War; The Roosevelts: An Intimate History; The Vietnam War; The U.S. and the Holocaust; and The American Buffalo.  He has been honored with dozens of major awards, including seventeen Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards, and two Oscar nominations. 

In November of 2022, Mr. Burns was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.  He also has a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

The Mount Kisco Scottish Pipes and Drums welcomed guests to dinner, which was followed by the presentation of the Haggis, toasts, and a live auction.

Founded in 1756, Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York is the oldest charitable organization in New York State. It embraces its original mission of helping Scots in need through its Almoner Program. The Society also supports graduate students in the USA and in Scotland and provides support to children’s hospitals in both countries.

 

Photos by Annie Watt