The United States Capitol Historical Society will bestow its 2012 Freedom Award on distinguished documentarian Ken Burns tonight, rolling the fete for the filmmaker into the group’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Burns has trained his cameras on all manner of Americana, beginning with his 1988 look at “The Congress,” leading all the way to 2011’s peek at “Prohibition.” His “The Civil War” and “Baseball” continue to be lauded years after their releases.

“His documentaries capture the human story of America, making our nation’s political, cultural and social history eminently accessible and engaging to millions,” USCHS President and former Rep. Ronald Sarasin (R-Conn.) said in a release.

Burns joins an elite group that has been honored, including Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), ex-Sens. George McGovern (D-S.D.) and Howard Baker (R-Tenn.) and former Speaker Tom Foley (D-Wash.).

The invitation-only Burns bash begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Congressional Auditorium of the Capitol Visitor Center.