Welcome Remarks for "Beyond Charlottesville"

McGowan Theater, National Archives Building, Washington, DC
February 27, 2020

Good evening, and welcome to the William G. McGowan Theater at the National Archives. I’m David Ferriero, Archivist of the United States, and I’m pleased you could join us for tonight’s program.

Before we begin our discussion, though, I’d like to tell you about two other programs coming up soon in the McGowan Theater.

On Tuesday, March 10, at noon, Jonathan Horn will be here to tell us about George Washington’s post-Presidency as chronicled in his new book, Washington’s End: The Final Years and Forgotten Struggle.

And on Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m., join us for a special evening of music, dance, and living history performances in honor of Harriet Tubman—spy, scout, Civil War nurse, abolitionist, Underground Railroad conductor, and woman suffrage supporter. This program is one of many we’re presenting relating to our exhibit Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote and the centennial of the 19th Amendment.

To keep informed about events throughout the year, check our website, Archives.gov, or sign up at the table outside the theater to get email updates.

Another way to get more involved with the National Archives is to become a member of the National Archives Foundation. The Foundation supports the work of the agency, especially its education and outreach programs. Check out their website—ArchivesFoundation.org—to learn more about them and join online.

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For several years, the National Archives has partnered with the United States Association of Former Members of Congress on programs that explore workings of government, contemporary issues, and public service.

Tonight’s program is also presented in partnership with the association, and we thank them for their continued support.

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Now it is my pleasure to welcome Martin Frost, who will introduce our panelists. He is the president of the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress, and served 26 years as a congressman from the 24th District of Texas from 1979 to 2005. During that time, he served eight years in the House Democratic Leadership, four years as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and four years as chair of the House Democratic Caucus. Since leaving Congress, he served four years as chair of the National Endowment for Democracy, and he is an adjunct professor in the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management.

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Martin Frost.