Robert Shetterly's Americans Who Tell The Truth

portraits and narratives highlight citizens who courageously address issues of social, environmental, and economic fairness.

By combining art and other media, AWTT offers resources to inspire a new generation of engaged Americans who will act for the common good, our communities, and the Earth.

View the Galleries
Mary Ellen Tracy
I teach at one of the schools which Samantha Smith attended. Because of this, when I heard about thisSamantha Smith Challenge (click to sign up your students)I was excited to learn more.
David Hilton
I know my time with my students will have been worthwhile if, at the end of our class, each child has grown as a citizen. I want my students to learn to be aware, empathetic, and active. The Samantha Smith Challengefits right into this approach.
Adele Drake
Robert Shetterly's portraits cut to the chase in a compelling way. Students could access the profound sentiments that these portraits represent.
Dr. Elisa Díaz-Martínez
Robert’s Americans Who Tell the Truth has become a distinctive and profound way of teaching American History and American Thought...His work will help us advance towards common understanding and tolerance.
Karyn Field
During the 2013/2014 school year, teachers Karyn Field and Sharyn Hastings used the AWTT portraits and resources to help students analyze "themes related to scapegoating, intolerance and social strife." Students wrote poems, orchestrated press conference
Laurie Solchenberger
I am a special and regular educator in Madison, WI. My students used your images to discuss how some people choose to do amazing things with their lives: some in big ways, some in small ways, but always by finding something they believe in.
Kristen Zoeller
Finally, I was shown people of all backgrounds who had made a difference; finally, I found people who were so normal, who I could relate to, and yet were so profound. Suddenly, there was no more excuse.
 

The Samantha Smith Challenge

Open to middle school and high school students, this year's theme is Show US Who You Are! View 2020-2021 Guidelines. 

Speaking Truth to Youth

We are excited to announce the launch of our short-video series Speaking Truth to Youth.

Support a doc on Rob Shetterly

Award-winning filmmaker, Richard Kane, is making a documentary about Robert Shetterly and Americans Who Tell the Truth. To learn more, go to: www.kanelewis.com. 

Most Recent Portraits

Our full gallery now includes 250 portraits of American truth-tellers. You can browse the full gallery. Or just begin your exploration by linking to a few of the most recent additions to the series here. 

Also, check out our newest collection of videos: Speaking Truth to Youth.  Some of our inspiring living portrait subjects share their insights on activism.  

EVENTS

  • Inter-generational climate conversation

    Blue Hill, ME
    Hosted by Climate Action Net

    When: March 20, 2021, 4 p.m. EDT; Where: Virtual

  • Cove Street Arts: I Am an American

    Portland, Maine
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    “I Am An American” exhibition opens Thursday, Nov. 12 at Cove Street Arts in Portland, Maine. 

  • Robert Shetterly Portrait Contest

    Hosted by The My HERO Project

    Americans Who Tell the Truth and The MY HERO Project are co-sponsoring this year's Robert Shetterly Portrait Contest. The deadline for submissions is December 10, 2020. 

  • Using Storytelling for Social Justice

    virtual
    Hosted by Northeast Storytelling

    Saturday, November 14, 2020 3-4:30 p.m. Andy Davis—storyteller and peace activist—will moderatea panel of experts who have successfully used storytelling to shine a light on social justice issues. Panelists will discuss how to make a peaceful, sustainable, compassionate societyirresistiblethrough a mighty stream of stories.

  • AWTT Exhibit at Zumi's in Ipswich, MA

    Ipswich, MA
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    Hosted by Zumi's

    Announcement fromZumi's: So honored and excited for this timely 2020 Art Exhibit at Zumi’s. It will be up throughout the month of October- don’t miss it! So much inspiration in this community engagement project featuring the artwork of Robert Shetterly.

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