Uploaded March 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Learn about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s formative years through her nomination to the Supreme Court. One of two biographical videos (see the second here: youtu.be/1LghjTskMzQ) created for the Smithsonian’s posthumous presentation of its Great Americans Medal to Justice Ginsburg on March 30, 2022.

Watch the full program, including the medal presentation and an object donation by the Justice’s daughter, Professor Jane C. Ginsburg, and son James Ginsburg: youtu.be/078e1iYwPZI.

The Great Americans Medal is awarded for lifetime contributions embodying American ideas and ideals, and honors individuals who have not only made a lasting impact in their fields, but whose philanthropic and humanitarian endeavors set them apart.

View more Great Americans videos at: https://s.si.edu/GreatAmericans.
For more on the Great Americans Medal and its recipients, visit https://greatamericans.si.edu.