Hahlo-80-89, George William Curtis, Esq. medal

American Numismatic Society, 1904.29.1.

80. Reverse of the Curtis medal.

89. In memory of George William Curtis, Esq., instituted at Columbia by a friend of his, for excellency in public speaking.

George William Curtis (1824-1892) was an outspoken abolitionist, reformer, and orator who is believed to have been active in supporting the Underground Railroad. He lived on Staten Island but was originally from New England and included Emerson, Hawthorne, and Thoreau among his friends. Columbia University’s prize for oratory in his name launched with this medal in 1901 and is still awarded as a cash prize today.