A Fireside Chat at the New-York Historical Society with Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan and Soledad O’Brien
Press Release · Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Washington, DC

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. ET, the New-York Historical Society in partnership with the National Archives Foundation will host a special fireside chat moderated by award-winning journalist and philanthropist Soledad O’Brien in conversation with Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan. Register to attend in person at the New-York Historical Society. Register to watch the livestream.

"It’s an honor to be the first woman permanently appointed to the position of Archivist of the United States, and I look forward to discussing the hard work that National Archives staff do every day to make the records of the United States accessible to the public," said Dr. Colleen Shogan. "I want to thank the New-York Historical Society for hosting this program. It’s partnerships like this that help the National Archives reach new audiences and connect with people across the nation. "

"As a member of the National Archives Foundation Board, I am honored to have an opportunity to introduce Dr. Colleen Shogan, the 11th Archivist of the United States and the first woman to be confirmed to the position,” said journalist Soledad O’Brien,  “Join us as we explore the importance of the Archives, what it does and this historic moment in our nation's history."

Denise and Bernard Schwartz Distinguished Speakers Series
A Fireside Chat with the 11th Archivist of the United States
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. ET
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York City, NY
Since its creation by Franklin Roosevelt in 1934, the National Archives has served as the nation’s official record keeper, safeguarding and providing public access to documents ranging from the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Emancipation Proclamation to immigrant naturalization records, Civil War maps, and the Japanese surrender documents from the end of World War II. Join Dr. Colleen Shogan, the first woman to act as archivist of the United States, in conversation with award-winning journalist and producer Soledad O’Brien, to learn more about this vital American resource, as well as Dr. Shogan’s vision for its holdings of more than 15 billion documents, photographs, maps, military records, patents, audio recordings, films, emails, and tweets.

Colleen Shogan was sworn in as the 11th archivist of the United States in May 2023 and previously served as senior vice president and director of the David M. Rubenstein Center at the White House Historical Association. Soledad O’Brien (moderator), an award-winning journalist and philanthropist, is the founder and CEO of the Starfish Media Group. She anchors and produces the Hearst Television political magazine program Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien.

With support from the New-York Historical Society's Patricia D. Klingenstein Library and its program series, Primary Source

About the National Archives
The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent federal agency that serves American democracy by safeguarding and preserving the records of our Government, so people can discover, use, and learn from this documentary heritage. The National Archives ensures continuing access to the essential documentation of the rights of American citizens and the actions of their government. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The agency supports democracy, promotes civic education, and facilitates historical understanding of our national experience. The National Archives carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries and online at www.archives.gov. 

About the National Archives Foundation
The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the United States and the world. Learn more at www.archivesfoundation.org.

About the New-York Historical Society
Experience 400 years of history through groundbreaking exhibitions, immersive films, and thought-provoking conversations among renowned historians and public figures at the New-York Historical Society, New York’s first museum. A great destination for history since 1804, the Museum and the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library convey the stories of the city and nation’s diverse populations, expanding our understanding of who we are as Americans and how we came to be. Ever-rising to the challenge of bringing little or unknown histories to light, New-York Historical will soon inaugurate a new wing housing its Tang Academy for American Democracy as well as the American LGBTQ+ Museum. These latest efforts to help forge the future by documenting the past join New-York Historical’s DiMenna Children’s History Museum and Center for Women’s History. Digital exhibitions, apps, and our For the Ages podcast make it possible for visitors everywhere to dive more deeply into history. Connect with us at nyhistory.org or at @nyhistory on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Tumblr.