Appalshop, the 55-year-old media arts nonprofit based in the coalfields of Southeastern Kentucky, was among 19 recipients of National Humanities Medals at a White House ceremony Monday.

Recipients included Robin Wall Kimmerer, scientist and author; Jon Meacham, historian and author; Aaron Sorkin, playwright, screenwriter and director; Lavar Burton, actor and literacy advocate. Chef and author Anthony Bourdain was honored posthumously.

The National Humanities Medal honors an individual or organization whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the human experience, broadened citizens’ engagement with history or literature, or helped preserve and expand Americans’ access to cultural resources, according to a news release from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Applashop said in a release that since 1969 it has “helped Appalachians tell their own stories through such media as documentary film, radio, music, theater, and more.”

Appalshop Executive Director Tiffany Sturdivant was accompanied to the ceremony by past Executive Director Alexander Gibson and long-time staff member Tommy Anderson. Sturdivant says, “It was important to me, as the new executive director, to spotlight and celebrate the hard work and dedication that made this medal possible. I am honored to bring Alex and Tommy to take part in this important moment in Appalshop history.”