A group of Black female scientists and mathematicians known as NASA's “Hidden Figures” were honored Wednesday with Congressional Gold Medals, the highest award given to citizens by Congress.

The hidden figures of the space race were recognized with Congress’ highest honor at a medal ceremony on Wednesday. The Congressional Gold Medal was presented to the families of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan,

Congressional Gold Medals were bestowed on a group of Black women who dared to boldly go where no woman had gone before: the labs and offices of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration where pioneering mathematicians and engineers figured out how to slip the surly bonds of Earth.

NASA's "Hidden Figures," whose work helped put men on the moon, were honored Wednesday in a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony.