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

NEWS

  • The Quiet Courage of Bob Moses

    The Atlantic
    William Sturkey

    Moses entered the darkest places in the country with the light of an idea.

  • Anniversary of the Seneca Falls Convention

    It’s the anniversary of the first women’s rights conference in history, organized in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848.

  • Ida B. Wells Birthday Celebrated

    Memphis, Tennessee

    Ida B. Wells' 159th birthday was celebrated in Downtown Memphis this year, with a parade and the unveiling of her life-size bronze statue. 

  • MacArthur Fellows Program Celebrates 40 Years with Chicago Art Exhibition

    Chicago

    The MacArthur Fellows Program is celebrating 40 years ofcommitment to recognizing extraordinarily creative individuals and highlighting the various ways recipients pursue their creative ideas, cultivate cross-disciplinary collaborations, and inspire us all with their field-changing endeavors. As part of this milestone anniversary, 29MacArthur Fellow artists are taking part inTow

  • Still Fighting for Voting Rights in 2021

    AWTT

    With two key voting rights bills stalled in the U.S. Senate, a July U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing voter restrictions in Arizona, and barriers to voting being passed in many other states, the right to vote in this country remains elusive.