About the National Archives

Archivist's remarks at Seventh Annual Forum on Women in Leadership "Women in Congressional Leadership"

Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 7 p.m. William G. McGowan Theater, National Archives Building

Who is the Archivist?

David S. Ferriero

David S. Ferriero The Archivist of the United States is the head of our agency, appointed by the President of the United States.

The AOTUS Blog
What's an Archivist?

Good evening.

I'm David Ferriero, Archivist of the United States, and welcome to the Seventh Annual Forum on Women in Leadership, whether you're here in the McGowan Theater or joining us on Ustream. For the past 6 years, we have celebrated women leaders in business, politics, journalism, academia, military, and in positions at the White House. Tonight, we take a look at Women in Congressional Leadership, and we have a very distinguished panel of speakers who will share their experiences and advice.

All of these programs have been made possible by the generous support of the Foundation for the National Archives and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Inc.  I'd like to extend special thanks to Sue Gin-McGowan, President of the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund and Foundation Board member—Sue, would you please stand?

We would also like to extend special thanks to our partners for this program, the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress.

Before we begin, I'd like to alert you to two other evening programs we'll be hosting here in the McGowan Theater.

On Saturday, March 22, we'll host an all-day symposium on The Latest in Lincoln Scholarship, presented in Partnership with the Abraham Lincoln Institute. Please visit Archives.gov for registration information.

The following week, on Thursday, March 27, we'll screen a documentary produced and directed by Charles Guggenheim, HR 6161: An Act of Congress. The film will begin at 7 p.m.  and is presented in partnership with the 2014 Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital.

To learn more about these and all of our public programs and exhibits, consult our monthly Calendar of Events. There are copies in the lobby—along with a sign-up sheet so you can receive the Calendar by regular mail or email. You'll also find brochures about other National Archives programs and activities.

Another way to get more involved in the National Archives is to become a member of the Foundation for the National Archives. As the Archives' private partner, the Foundation and its generous donors helped us to build the National Archives Museum, including this beautiful theater, and the Foundation continues to support our exhibitions, public programs, and educational outreach around the country. To learn more about the Foundation, you can visit its website at archivesfoundation.org or pick up a membership brochure in the theater lobby.

If you're joining us on Ustream, you can find out more about our programs and how to support them on our website—Archives.gov/nae.

A little later, we are expecting House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi to arrive, but at this time I would like to welcome panel to the stage:
Former Congresswoman from Maryland, Connie Morella,
Former Congresswoman from Connecticut, Barbara Kennelly,
Former Congresswoman from California, Mary Bono,
Former Senator from Illinois, Carol Moseley Braun, and
Former Senator from Arkansas, Blanche Lincoln.

Our moderator for the evening is New York Times journalist Jackie Calmes. Jackie, I'll turn the discussion over to you now.

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