A Lifetime of Recognition
George Washington Carver received numerous prestigious awards during his lifetime, recognizing his contributions to science, agriculture, and race relations. His honors came from governments, scientific organizations, and civil rights groups alike.
Major Awards
Spingarn Medal
NAACP, 1923
The highest honor given by the NAACP, awarded annually to the African American who has made the greatest achievement in the previous year. Carver was recognized for his distinguished service in agricultural chemistry.
Roosevelt Medal for Distinguished Service
1939
Awarded for distinguished achievement in science. This medal honored Americans who made significant contributions to their field.
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
London, 1916
Carver was elected to this prestigious British organization, one of very few Americans and even fewer African Americans to receive this honor.
Honorary Doctorate
Simpson College, 1928
His alma mater awarded him an honorary Doctor of Science degree in recognition of his achievements.
Other Honors
- 1921: Invited to testify before the U.S. Congress on peanut tariffs
- 1923: Listed among "Notable Americans" by the New York Times
- 1928: Honorary membership in the American Inventors Society
- 1939: Honorary membership in the American Phytopathological Society
- 1941: Named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Posthumous Honors
After Carver's death in 1943, the honors continued:
- 1943: U.S. Congress designated January 5 as George Washington Carver Day
- 1943: George Washington Carver National Monument established (first national monument to an African American)
- 1948: First U.S. postage stamp honoring him
- 1990: Inducted into National Inventors Hall of Fame