A Message from the Chairman of the Board

A Message from the Chairman of the Board of Directors Frederick J. Ryan, Jr.

Although the year 2020 will forever be remembered for the global COVID19 pandemic, which presented the White House Historical Association with operational challenges unlike any we had ever experienced, it proved to be a year in which adversity demonstrated the fundamental timelessness of the public’s interest in the historic White House and versatility with which we are positioned to successfully fulfill our mission.

Our annual line up of educational programming began with traditional in-person events including the “White House History with David M. Rubenstein” program Slavery in the President’s Neighborhood: A Conversation with Dr. Lonnie Bunch III, conducted for a standing room only crowd at St. John’s Church in February. By March the pandemic necessitated that our remaining scheduled events be conducted virtually. Using the latest and most innovated communication technologies, Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Crowd Cast, and Zoom, the Association offered its full calendar of programing as planned. Rather than lessen the effectiveness of our message, we were able to dramatically broaden its scope and reach the widest audience in our history. As we return to in-person programing in the coming year we build on lessons learned in 2020 and offer virtual formats in combination with in-person programs.

The pandemic and closure of our brick and mortar shops did not slow either our retail or our publishing efforts in 2020. Sales of our new releases received the broadest media attention in the Association’s history and new titles quickly went into multiple printings, while creative online promotions encouraged virtual shopping and resulted in record online sales.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors across the nation and the commitment of our National Council on White House History, the Association met its development goals and ended the year on budget and in a strong financial position. The National Council grew to more than eighty members in 2020 and its members continued to raise our profile nationally, and advocate for our mission.

The year closed with the Association in a strong and stable financial position. As we enter 2021, our sixtieth anniversary year, the Association remains dedicated to fulfilling its broad mission to enable the public to enjoy and appreciate the historic White House, the iconic symbol that belongs to all the American People.

ANNUAL REPORT • 2020 7