DAILY SCHEDULE

Sunday, May 3

• Arrive

• Check into Old Post Office Hotel

• Check into 4C Summit

• 10th Anniversary Welcome Reception in Franklin Study

• After-hours lounge in Lincoln Library

Monday, May 4

• Breakfast

• Business session

• Lunch

• Afternoon activities

• Evening with NCBA

  • NOTE: Casual attire

• After-hours lounge in Lincoln Library

Tuesday, May 5

• Breakfast

• Business session

• Lunch at the Capitol

• Tour of the Capitol

  • Prior to your tour, please read the Capitol building’s prohibited items list.

• Dinner at the Smithsonian

  • Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime evening, dining in the historic halls of the Smithsonian Museum. Walk through history and enjoy one of the world’s most iconic museums.

  • NOTE: Semi-formal/formal attire; we will have a photographer on site to capture this special evening.

• After-hours lounge in Lincoln Library

MEET THIS YEAR’S FEATURED SPEAKERS

Douglas BrinkleY

Called “the best of the new generation of American historians,” Dr. Douglas Brinkley has built his career on defining the attributes that help build legacies. As one of America’s leading presidential historians, Brinkley has written books on Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt. In fact, CNN has called him “a man who knows more about the presidency than any human being alive.” Brinkley shares his extensive knowledge of the office of the presidency and the men who have filled it. He paints a rich portrait of the past, offers unparalleled insight into our present, and imparts lessons we should consider for the future.

Douglas is the Presidential Historian for CNN and a contributing editor for Vanity Fair. A history professor at Rice University, Brinkley is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Century Association, Society of American Historians, and James Madison Council of the Library of Congress. He is also an accomplished author. Six of his books were named New York Times“Notable Books of the Year” and seven became New York Times bestsellers:

• The Reagan Diaries

• The Great Deluge

• The Boys of Pointe du Hoc: Ronald Reagan

• D-Day and the U.S. Army 2nd Ranger Battalion

• Tour of Duty: John Kerry and the Vietnam War

• Cronkite

• Rightful Heritage: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Land of America

Douglas’ other passions include writing and composing jazz, folk, and rock ‘n roll music. He won a Grammy Award in 2007 for his work co-producing “Presidential Suite: Eight Variations on Freedom.” He was also nominated for a Grammy for “Gonzo,” his collaboration with Johnny Depp on the soundtrack for a documentary on his good friend Hunter S. Thompson.

Brinkley is a distinguished professor of history at Rice University and a fellow at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy. He also held several prestigious positions at the U.S. Naval Academy, Princeton, Tulane, and Hofstra. Douglas has also been awarded several honorary Doctorates from numerous higher learning institutions

Steve Ford

Being the “first son” of the United States carries with it a lot of responsibility, one of which is protecting and building upon their presidential father’s Legacy. Steve Ford will discuss with us how he was able to accomplish this while his father President Gerald Ford was in office. Steve will also share how he was able to build his own Legacy outside of his father’s presidency, by becoming an accomplished Hollywood actor.

During his time as “first son” Steve had a broad range of experiences that help him develop his unique perspective. He was an 18 year old with a constant convoy of ten Secret Service agents by his side. His father pardoned Richard Nixon after the infamous Watergate scandal. His mother, Betty Ford, struggled with alcoholism and fought a battle with breast cancer. As well as having to persevere after two separate assassination attempts on his fathers life. Throughout all this he was able to maintain his families legacy; because of their strong family unit and a focus on living with strong values and character.

Steve had a recurring role for six years as Detective Andy Richards on the Emmy Award-winning The Young and The Restless, and has recently reprised his role on the show. Ford also held roles on many other popular television shows such as Walker Texas Ranger, J.A.G., and Dr. Quinn. He has also appeared in over 30 feature films including: Black Hawk Down, Heat,Contact, Armageddon, and When Harry Met Sally.

Steve also has many talents outside of the realms of diplomacy and the arts, before his acting career began in 1979 he was a team roper on the professional rodeo circuit and still ropes in his free time. He was involved in the raising of thoroughbred race horses as an owner, breeder, racing manager and racetrack executive throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. He now lives with his family on a ranch in California.

EXPLORE OUR NATION’S CAPITAL

You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy Washington D.C.’s rich and unique history by taking part in one of these exciting activities. The activities will take place on the afternoon of Monday, May 4th immediately following lunch.

Complete your registration form to select the activity you'd most like to attend.

International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum is an interactive historical experience that immerses guests into the top-secret world of international espionage. The brand-new museum opened its doors in L’Efant Plaza in 2018, and offers incredible panoramic views of the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, and Potomac River. Visitors will be able to view and interact with the world’s foremost collection of spy artifacts, and hear first-hand accounts from intelligence officers as they put their own espionage skills to the test.

The Lincoln Experience

Follow in the footsteps of one of the most popular figures in all of world history. Guests will tour sites that are synonymous with the life and death of our nation’s 16th president. The tour begins at Ford’s Theater where Lincoln spent that fateful night in 1865. Guests will also be able to view the Peterson House, where the President ultimately spent his final moments. You will also have access to the Center for Education and Leadership, which contains two stories of exhibits that detail the aftermath if Lincoln’s assassination and how it impacted his legacy. The tour rounds out at the cottage where Lincoln spent most of his time during the peak of the Civil War and where he drafted the Emancipation Proclamation.

National Mall Walking Tour

Home to some of the grandest and most well-known monuments, memorials, and statues that celebrate the history of the United States, the National Mall is one of the most prestigious national parks. The two-mile stretch from the Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial features many activities and attractions including the ten Smithsonian Museums, the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Korean and Vietnam Veterans War Memorials. There is plenty to see, so make sure you bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes!

National ARCHIVES

The National Archives Museum offers public access to the documents that have framed our nation’s history and democracy. Guests will step into the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, which houses The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights. You will have the opportunity to view these historic documents and learn how they have shaped our nation’s history and values. Guests will also be able to tour an exciting traveling exhibit: Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote, which highlights the relentless struggle of diverse activists throughout U.S. history to secure voting rights for all American women. The tour also includes access to the public vaults. This interactive exhibit includes artifacts such as Oval Office recordings, and invites guests to explore and even touch some of the most interesting documents, photos, and films housed at the archives