MEDIA ALERT - Monumental Conversation: On the Road to 250 with Governors and First Ladies of Maryland and Virginia
MEDIA ALERT - MONUMENTAL CONVERSATION: ON THE ROAD TO 250 WITH GOVERNORS AND FIRST LADIES OF MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA
The Trust for the National Mall will hold a Monumental Conversation event on September 18 featuring philanthropist David M. Rubenstein in conversation with the governors and first ladies of Maryland and Virginia. The program will feature a bipartisan conversation about the National Mall as a symbol of American history, freedom and independence as we approach America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
During the event, the Trust will present its History, Heroes & Hope Award to Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore and Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. The Trust for the National Mall's History, Heroes & Hope Award acknowledges individuals who honor the spirit and ideals that the National Mall represents for our country, including dedicated public servants, long-time volunteers and patriotic donors. David M. Rubenstein is a past recipient of the award.
Space is extremely limited. Media interested in attending must contact Audrey Brown at abrown@nationalmall.org to RSVP and secure a media credential.
WHAT: Monumental Conversation panel discussion featuring the Honorable Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland, the Honorable Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia, First Lady of Maryland Dawn Moore and First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin, moderated by David M. Rubenstein.
WHEN: Thursday, September 18, 2025, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Lincoln Library, Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC
WHO: Catherine Townsend, President & CEO Trust for the National Mall
Sheila Johnson, Founder, Salamander Collection, Vice Chair, Trust for the National Mall
David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, The Carlyle Group
The Honorable Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland
Dawn Moore, First Lady of Maryland
The Honorable Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia
Suzanne S. Youngkin, First Lady of Virginia
THEMES FOR COVERAGE:
Series of Monumental Conversations: On the Road to 250: The Trust for the National Mall is hosting a series of Monumental Conversations featuring champions of the National Mall and leaders in policy, history, academics and culture in conversation about the meaning of America’s 250th anniversary on America’s Front Yard. Watch for upcoming announcements. Read about the most recent event here.
Civic Learning and the U.S. Semiquincentennial in 2026: On September 17, Constitution Day, the Trust for the National Mall will launch the National Mall Gateway, a new digital learning platform inspired by America’s 250th that invites students, classrooms and visitors around the world to learn about our nation’s founding and its history using the National Mall, America’s greatest living history classroom. Learn about this virtual and on-site educational resource and trip planning tool here.
On this Day in History: On September 18, 1793, the first cornerstone was laid for the U.S. Capitol Building. The states of Maryland and Virginia came together to create Washington, D.C., the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol Building.
Our Monumental Moment: The Campaign for the National Mall: The Trust for the National Mall is the nonpartisan nonprofit organization that partners with the National Park Service to bring private funding, project expertise, and in-kind support to restore, preserve and elevate the National Mall and Lafayette Park. The Trust is raising $250 million inspired by Americas 250th to restore and beautify historic sites on the National Mall and build educational and volunteer experiences and programs to ensure the National Mall endures and inspires in 2026 and for generations to come. https://www.nationalmall250.org/
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