the society of presidential descendants at the Roosevelt School at Long Island University
Honoring legacy, inspiring civic leadership.
An Enduring Legacy of Leadership
THE SOCIETY OF PRESIDENTIAL DESCENDANTS unites direct and collateral descendants of United States Presidents in a shared commitment to service, education, and civic leadership. Housed at the Roosevelt School at Long Island University, The Society honors the enduring legacy of the American presidency while fostering dialogue across generations.
Rooted in history but focused on the future, our members work to preserve the stories, values, and democratic ideals that have shaped the nation—ensuring they remain vital for generations to come.
In an era of division and civic uncertainty, The Society stands as a rare place of unity—a space where lineage becomes a platform for purpose. Here, personal history meets public responsibility. As descendants of those who shaped the presidency, our members bring unique insight into leadership, governance, and the evolution of American ideals. Together, we honor that inheritance by shaping the conversations that matter most to the nation’s future.
Civic Engagement with a National Reach
Through public programs, scholarly initiatives, and collaborative forums, The Society promotes civic literacy, encourages public service, and advances an informed understanding of the presidency.
Signature initiatives include:
• Biennial Presidential Leadership Book Award, honoring contemporary works that illuminate presidential leadership and legacy.
• Public Forums and Speaker Series, where descendants share insights and promote civil discourse.
• First Ladies’ Library, spotlighting the evolving role of First Ladies in American life and leadership.
These programs do more than commemorate—they convene. They invite the public to reflect, discuss, and challenge. Whether through keynote lectures, televised forums, or classroom partnerships, The Society engages audiences of all ages to think critically about power, legacy, and democracy in action. The result is a vibrant network of educators, students, and citizens who carry the values of the presidency beyond history books and into the heart of civil society.
Voices across Generations
Our membership includes descendants of nearly every U.S. President—from Washington to Biden—who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to a shared legacy. Whether continuing a tradition of public service or engaging in new forms of leadership, our members represent the living history of the presidency.
“
Being a part of this Society is about more than heritage—it’s about responsibility. We are stewards of stories that still shape the nation.
”
—clifton truman daniel, grandson of president harry s. truman
Our members span multiple generations and bring with them varied careers in education, public service, the arts, law, military, and nonprofit leadership. Some are historians and scholars; others are everyday citizens drawn together by their lineage and a shared sense of civic duty. What unites them is a belief that stories—personal, presidential, and national—hold the power to educate, to unify, and to inspire.
tweed roosevelt president
massee mckinley vice president & chief of staff
lynda johnson robb
the society of presidential descendants officers vice president
clifton truman daniel vice president
austin hayes treasurer
Join a Community Rooted in History and Purpose
Membership is more than a credential—it is a commitment to stewardship. As part of this national network, members not only gain access to exclusive events and programming but become active contributors to a living dialogue on history, governance, and civic engagement. Your dues support student scholarships, public education efforts, and the preservation of presidential legacies for future generations.
presidential descendant direct descendants of a united states president
$100.00 per year
collateral descendant related by bloodline through parents of a united states president
$150.00 per year
Members enjoy:
• Invitations to exclusive events and private receptions
• Opportunities to meet and collaborate with other descendants
• Early access to public programs and publications
• Participation in educational and philanthropic initiatives
• Recognition in Society communications
become a member scan the qr
presidential descendants at the inaugural presidential leadership book award in october 2021 at the university club of new york.
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Convene. Celebrate. Educate.
The Society of Presidential Descendants offers a dynamic year-round calendar of events designed to bring presidential legacy into the public eye through meaningful dialogue, community engagement, and historical storytelling.
presidential families weekend
This signature forum brings descendants together to share personal reflections and participate in public panels. Themes explore leadership, civic responsibility, and national identity—with descendants offering firsthand perspectives on their ancestors’ legacies.
lecture series & public engagements
Through collaborations with universities, libraries, and cultural institutions, the Society hosts lectures, panel discussions, and civic forums. These events are open to educators, students, historians, and
the broader public, promoting nuanced dialogue on contemporary and historical issues.
scholarship & student programs
The Society partners with LIU’s Roosevelt School to offer scholarships, mentoring opportunities, and participation in policyfocused workshops. These programs cultivate the next generation of civicminded leaders by blending academic rigor with historical insights.
By weaving together community, scholarship, and public participation, our events educate and inspire. They support civic literacy and encourage active engagement with the principles upon which the presidency—and the nation— was built.
Biennial Presidential Leadership Book Award
Every two years, The Society of Presidential Descendants hosts the prestigious Presidential Leadership Book Award Dinner, an evening that celebrates remarkable works of nonfiction focusing on presidential leadership and history.
OCTOBER 23, 2025 | 6:00 PM |
UNIVERSITY CLUB OF NEW YORK
Hosted by Congressman Steve Israel
2021 Winner
Ted Widmer, honored for Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington. This illuminating narrative recounts the fraught thirteen days before Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration, capturing the drama, stakes, and transformative decisions at a pivotal moment in American history.
Featuring Mark K. Updegrove
President & CEO, LBJ Foundation 2025 Distinguished Presidential Historian Award Recipient
2023 Winner
William Inboden received the award for The Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, The Cold War, and the World on the Brink. Based on extensive archival research and interviews, the biography presents new insights into Reagan’s leadership during one of the most critical periods of the Cold War.
