Arab American National Museum Pays Tribute to Pioneering Journalist Helen Thomas

Submitted by the Arab American National Museum.

In life, she fearlessly sought to elicit truth from America’s elected leaders, the ultimate personification of “the watchdog of democracy.” She blazed a clear trail for untold numbers of journalists – women – who observed the longtime Dean of The White House Press Corps and never doubted their own ability to succeed in a media career.

She was a key chronicler of United States and world history of the 20th century and made history herself.

The board and leadership of the Arab American National Museum (AANM) join all Americans in mourning the loss of Thomas, who died at home in Washington, D.C. on July 20, following a long illness. Thomas, a prominent American of Lebanese descent and a charter member of the museum’s national advisory board, would have turned 93 on her birthday, Aug. 4.

“Helen’s life is a remarkable American success story, a rich fulfillment of the American Dream,” said Devon Akmon, AANM director. “Her immigrant parents took the risk, sought the opportunities for themselves and their children, and raised Helen to be the independent, tireless achiever she was – a woman who did not allow her gender, ethnic heritage and later, her age, to limit her goals in any way.

"It’s true Helen was opinionated, and sometimes feared and reviled as she pursued accountability from 10 presidential administrations. She observed and reported history, but she also made history herself, by breaking barriers and embracing her role as a journalist to the utmost," Akmon said. "That is why it is the AANM’s honor to preserve and celebrate her accomplishments and legacy, and ensure that her contributions to our nation are never forgotten.”

Thomas joined the AANM’s national advisory board while the new, one-of-a-kind institution was still on the drawing board. Since its opening on May 5, 2005, the AANM has proudly presented Thomas’ many achievements in its "Making An Impact" exhibit with a permanent display centered on a modest, well-used pale blue portable manual typewriter and vintage media credentials from her personal collection. 

In 2010, the museum ran a successful Kickstarter campaign online to complete a bust of Thomas created by sculptor and former White House photojournalist Susan Tinsley McElhinney. The donations continued to flow from individuals across the United States, even after the $10,000 goal had been met, with one week to spare, in the 45-day campaign.

The finished bust was initially unveiled Oct. 4, 2010, as part of the Arab American Book Award ceremony at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C., when Thomas appeared to accept the AANM’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Veteran journalist Sam Donaldson paid tribute to Thomas while introducing her to a standing ovation.

Thomas and her family visited the AANM in Dearborn for a special reception Dec. 2, 2010, to mark the bust’s permanent installation, just a few feet from Thomas’ typewriter in the AANM’s "Making An Impact" display.

A memorial service for Thomas is planned next month near Detroit. The service will follow a divine liturgy beginning at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 15 at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Troy. The service is open to the public.