About Robert
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After testing the waters as an aspiring professional tennis player, Robert Edsel shifted careers and built from the ground up a successful oil and gas exploration company that pioneered the use of horizontal drilling.
Seventeen years later, he sold the company to pursue his interest in art and architecture, a decision that led to his discovery of the Monuments Men story.
Robert founded the Monuments Men and Women Foundation (formerly Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art) in 2007 to honor the remarkable legacy of these men and women. His work has resulted in numerous honors including the National Humanities Medal, America’s highest honor for work in the humanities, presented by the President of the United States at a White House ceremony.
He has written four books, published two others, co-produced the Emmy®-nominated documentary film "The Rape of Europa", consulted with George Clooney on his film, "The Monuments Men", based on his second book, and has served as the Executive Producer and on-air host of an acclaimed television series, "Hunting Nazi Treasure.” His vision of a permanent exhibition that would honor these heroes of civilization was realized in 2023 with the dedication of the Monuments Men and Women Gallery at The National WW2 Museum in New Orleans, the first museum exhibit of its kind.
Robert travels frequently as a speaker introducing the story of the Monuments Men and Women through multi-media presentations to audiences throughout the United States and Western Europe as well as to men and women in uniform. He has served on various not-for-profit boards, including The National WWII Museum and St. Mark’s School of Texas.
He has received numerous awards including the Texas Medal of the Arts; the President’s Call to Service Award; the Hope for Humanity Award, presented by the Dallas Holocaust Museum; and the Foundation for the National Archives’ Records of Achievement Award. In 2022, the United States Army and the Smithsonian Institution made Mr. Edsel an honorary graduate of the first Army Monuments Officer Training Program, an idea Mr. Edsel advocated for nearly twenty years.
Awards
2008 President’s Call to Service Award
Presented to individuals by the President of the United States’ Council on Service and Civic Participation, in recognition and appreciation of their commitment to strengthening the Nation and for making a difference through volunteer service.
2008 Hope for Humanity Award
Presented to individuals by the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance, in recognition of their dedication to promoting tolerance, education, and understanding, and to reducing prejudice.
2011 Texas Medal of Arts Award
Inspired by the National Medal of Arts, it is awarded to Texas leaders and luminaries in the arts and entertainment industry for creative excellence and exemplary talents.
2011 St. Mark's of Texas Distinguished Alumnus Award
It recognizes achievement of exceptional nature in any field, vocational or voluntary, covering an entire career.
2014 Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to individuals by the National Council for the Promotion of Italian Language in American Schools, in recognition of their research, passion and commitment to the preservation of Italian Art and Culture.
2014 Records of Achievement Award
Presented by the Foundation for the National Archives, in recognition of individuals whose work has fostered a broader national awareness of the history and identity of the United States through the use of original records.
2015 Anne Frank Human Writes Award
Presented by the Anne Frank Center to writers who have proven themselves to be exceptional leaders in combating the sort of intolerance, prejudice and injustice that Anne Frank and so many others faced.
2017 Honorary Member of the U.S. Army’s 88th Infantry Division
Presented by the 88th Infantry Division in recognition of dedicated support of the Blue Devil’s Centennial Celebration.
2019 Pio Alferano Service to the Arts Award
This award, named in honor of the founder of Italy’s Carabinieri Cultural Heritage Protection Unit, is presented for distinguished service to the arts
2021 Decoration of Honor Meritorious for Polish Culture
Presented by Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and National Heritage Prof. Dr. hab. Piotr Gliński for distinguished service to Polish culture and heritage.
2022 Honorary Graduate of the first Army Monuments Officer Training Program
Presented the United States Army and the Smithsonian Institution, the program was the culmination of an idea Mr. Edsel advocated and championed for nearly twenty years.