FIT FOR A PRESIDENT
THE LBJ Presidential Library Hosts MONTHLY Program Series
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Jay Godwin
THE SETTING: The LBJ Presidential Library in Austin hosts an annual season of special Evening With programs featuring dynamic conversations with some of the most notable leaders in the political, cultural, and media fields on topics related to American history and current affairs. The special events, open to Friends of the LBJ Library members, draw some of the Lone Star State’s most notable sociables, history lovers, and philanthropists. Following the programs, members at the Legacy and Cabinet levels are invited to a cocktail reception and dinner with the featured speakers in the 10th floor atrium.
THE STYLE: On one to two nights a month between September and May, audiences of up to 1,000 attendees dressed in Austin-chic attire fill the Lady Bird Johnson Auditorium for interview-style discussions, moderated by Mark Updegrove, president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation and presidential historian for ABC News.
This past year, speakers included William McRaven, who shared highlights from his career as an Admiral in the Navy and lessons on leadership from his book, The Wisdom of the Bullfrog. Jake Tapper talked about covering current affairs as an anchor at CNN and his recently published book, All the Demons Are Here. Heather Cox Richardson, historian and editor of the popular daily newsletter, “Letters from an American,” spoke about the state of our democracy and lessons for the current moment drawn from our national history to a capacity crowd of 1,000. The season closed out with former Defense Secretary Dr. Robert Gates, who shared insights about current world and geopolitical events, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
THE PURPOSE: Membership gifts to the Friends of the LBJ Library benefit the Evening With series, special museum exhibitions, and educational programs for K-12 schools. Annual memberships start at $65 and include access to the museum, special events and exhibit openings, and invitations to the Evening With programs. Members at the premium levels ($1,000 and above) receive preferred seating for Evening With programs, as well as access to exclusive dinner receptions and VIP events each season. To join or for more information, visit www.LBJFriends.org or email Friends@LBJFoundation.org.
