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We are thrilled that you can join us! Please register for the reception by August 3, 2023.
Beyond Granite: Pulling Together will be the first curated outdoor exhibition in the history of the National Mall. For more information about the exhibition, visit beyondgranite.org
Preview of the us park Police horse stables and education center on the national Mall
The Trust for the National Mall is excited to share a photo gallery from the Starry Night at the Stables event on January 26, 2023 to showcase the Trust’s work on the completed US Park Police Horse Stables and Education Center on the National Mall. The Trust is grateful to the many supporters and benefactors who made this important milestone project possible. The project replaces the outdated horse stables built in the 1970s with a state-of-the-art facility and a brand-new Education Center that will welcome the public to learn about the Mounted Unit and its history on the National Mall.
Trust cornerstone council rooftop reception
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
5:00 - 7:00 PM EST
Trust Cornerstone Council members are invited to a Meet & Greet Rooftop Reception.
Please join fellow Trust for the National Mall Cornerstone Council members at the Trust’s headquarters on Tuesday, June 20 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.
To join us, please fill out the form on this page. Kindly RSVP by Friday, June 16, 2023.
Register here to attend this event.
A monumental view: Rooftop reception
Thursday, March 30
5:30 PM – 7 PM EST
Please join us on Thursday, March 30th, at 5:30 PM to celebrate spring, the iconic pink blossoms on America's Front Yard, and our work with the National Park Service to preserve, restore and enrich the National Mall.
To reserve your space, please fill out the form on this page. Kindly RSVP by March 24, 2023.
Register here to attend this event.
Registration for this event is now closed. Please reach out to us at events@nationalmall.org with any questions.
Ribbon Cutting: NEW Horse stables and education center on the national mall
Wednesday, June 14th, 2023
10:00 AM ET
Please join the Trust for the National Mall on Wednesday, June 14 starting at 10:00 AM to unveil the new Education Center at the U.S. Park Police Horse Stables and celebrate this major milestone for the Trust with the National Park Service and the U.S. Park Police Mounted Unit.
Register here to attend this event.
The Trust for the National Mall honored two important Americans and presented our Distinction in Corporate Service Award on September 30 at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This monumental evening was an intimate and unique event and supported our mission to restore, preserve, and enrich the National Mall, one of the most iconic landmarks in America.
Featuring Special Guests
This year's event was hosted by WAMU NPR Host of the 1A Jenn White with special guest, philanthropist and International Business Leader David M. Rubenstein. The Trust for the National Mall honored:
• José Andrés, Chef/Owner of ThinkFoodGroup and Founder of World Central Kitchen
• Lonnie G Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
• American Express, Recipient of the Trust's Distinction in Corporate Service Award
Learn about our featured presenters and guests below.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
2021 HISTORY, HEROES & HOPE AWARD HONOREES
Lonnie G. Bunch III
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
Lonnie G. Bunch III is the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian. He assumed his position June 16, 2019 and as Secretary, he oversees 19 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers, and several education units and centers. Bunch was the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Previously Bunch served as the president of the Chicago Historical Society and formerly worked in several positions at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. A widely published author, Bunch has held numerous teaching positions at universities across the country and served on the advisory boards of the American Association of Museums and the American Association for State and Local History. He was awarded the Freedom Medal from the Roosevelt Institute; the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal from the Hutchins Center at Harvard University; and the National Equal Justice Award from the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund; and the Tony Horwitz Prize from the the Society of American Historians. Bunch received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the American University.
José Andrés
Chef/Owner of ThinkFoodGroup and Founder of World Central Kitchen
Chef José Andrés is a chef, humanitarian, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. His ThinkFoodGroup comprises nearly 30 acclaimed restaurants in the US and abroad, while his nonprofit World Central Kitchen uses food as a powerful agent of positive change around the globe. José has twice been on TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” list, was named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation in 2018, and has earned four Michelin stars. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chef Andrés and World Central Kitchen have partnered with thousands of local restaurants, farmers, and community leaders around the country to combat food insecurity and create smart food policy. A naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Spain, Chef Andrés has been a tireless advocate for immigration reform.
DISTINCTION IN CORPORATE SERVICE AWARD
The 2021 Distinction in Corporate Service Award recognizes American Express for its commitment to restoring, preserving and enriching the National Mall. This award specifically recognizes American Express’s investments in the historic Lockkeeper’s House, which reopened in 2018 after being fully restored and now provides an exhibit space to learn the rich history of the National Mall and the surrounding area, and support of the Tidal Basin Ideas Lab, Phases I and II, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Tidal Basin Ideas Lab has been key in driving attention to the Tidal Basin and ensuring immediate and long-term solutions to the systemic problems caused by urbanization, failing infrastructure, and climate change.
Accepted the Award on behalf of American Express:
Madge Thomas, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and President of the American Express Foundation
Madge Thomas is a passionate changemaker and senior leader in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and international development, with a track record of brokering global partnerships between businesses, governments and non-profits to support people and planet.
Madge is the Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at American Express where she helps set and execute the vision for the global corporate social responsibility (CSR) program—including its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy. Madge also heads the American Express Foundation where she oversees the philanthropic giving strategy, programs and projects that American Express supports for colleagues, customers and global communities.
EMCEE
Jenn White
Host, 1A from WAMU and NPR
Jenn White is the host of 1A, a daily news show produced by WAMU 88.5, Washington, D.C.’s NPR news station.
A seasoned journalist and podcast host, she has worked in public radio since 1999. She joins us from Chicago’s WBEZ where she has held several on-air positions, as host of the station’s local two-hour midday show, Reset with Jenn White, and before that as host of The Morning Shift.
She is also a familiar voice on several WBEZ podcasts, including Making Oprah, Making Obama and 16 Shots, which chronicled the fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald and the trial of Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke. Before WBEZ, White was the local host of All Things Considered at Michigan Radio.
White is also skilled as a public speaker and has moderated numerous on-air gubernatorial and mayoral debates. A native of Detroit and graduate of the University of Michigan, she’s spent the past few years in Chicago and is now living in Washington, D.C., with her husband and dog.
FEATURED PRESENTERS
His Excellency Santiago Cabanas
Ambassador of Spain to the United States
Ambassador Cabanas was born in Madrid in 1954. He holds a Law Degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and joined the Spanish Foreign Service in 1981.
The Ambassador was most recently Ambassador to Algeria, where he started his mission in 2017. Prior, he held top-ranking positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain, including Director of the Minister’s Cabinet and Director General for Foreign Policy. Ambassador Cabanas has also been Director General for Consular Affairs and Director General for Cultural and Scientific Relations.
In addition to his Ambassadorship to Algeria, he has been the Ambassador of Spain to the Czech Republic and to Jordan. He previously served as a political counselor at the Embassy in Washington, D.C. and as Consul General in Miami, Florida.
Georgette “Gigi” Dixon
Executive Vice President and Head of External Engagement, Diverse Segments, Representation and Inclusion (DSRI), Wells Fargo, and Member of the Trust for the National Mall’s Board of Directors
Georgette “Gigi” Dixon is the executive vice president and head of External Engagement for Diverse Segments, Representation and Inclusion. In this diversity-focused role, Gigi is responsible for stakeholder relationships, sponsorship activation, and advocacy and influencer strategies. Her team advances diversity, equity, and inclusion by leading and amplifying our efforts externally to ensure that people across our workforce, communities, and supply chain feel valued and respected and have equal access to resources, services, products, and opportunities to succeed.
Gigi also has served as marketing manager for Wholesale Banking, Small Business Banking, and Commercial Banking; director of Emerging (multicultural) Markets; and director of Strategic Partnerships for the Wells Fargo Foundation. She also served on the company’s Corporate Diversity Council for six years. In 2005, Gigi was recognized as one of the Most Powerful Women to Watch by American Banker magazine.
Sheila C. Johnson
Founder and CEO, Salamander Hotels & Resorts, and Vice Chair, Trust for the National Mall
Sheila C. Johnson is Founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts (SHR), which operates a collection of luxury properties with over $200 million in revenue. It is ranked No.4 in Minority-Owned Companies in the Washington DC Metro area. Additionally, it is ranked No.4 as the Largest Women-Owned Businesses in Greater D.C. She previously served as Vice Chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, and is the only African-American woman to have ownership in three professional sports teams: the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the NHL’s Washington Capitals (2018 Stanley Cup Champions), and the WNBA’s 2019 World Champions Washington Mystics, for which she serves as President and Managing Partner. She also served on the Executive Committee of the United States Golf Association where she spearheaded efforts in increasing diversity in the game of golf.
In 2017, Ms. Johnson was named on Forbes Magazine’s Top 50 America’s Richest Self-Made Women. WE Capital, a venture capital consortium to support and invest in female-led enterprises with a goal of promoting social impact and generating financial returns was spearheaded by her in 2016. She also serves on the board of the Greater Washington Partnership, which seeks to strengthen the region’s global position as a center for commerce and innovation.
Jeffrey Reinbold
Superintendent, National Mall and Memorial Parks, National Park Service
Jeffrey P. Reinbold is a national park manager with 28 years’ experience and expertise in public-private partnerships, has served as Superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks since March 2019. He manages the iconic monuments and memorials of the nation’s capital, and cares for treasured neighborhood green space with a budget of approximately $35 million and alongside a staff of nearly 300 and more than 6,000 volunteers. Reinbold also manages the National Mall’s infrastructure improvement projects, ensuring the enjoyment of future park visitors.
Reinbold previously served as the National Park Service’s assistant director for partnerships and civic engagement, where he was responsible for partnerships, philanthropy, national trails, and wild and scenic rivers. In more than 28 years with the National Park Service, Reinbold has led planning and partnership projects around the country: protecting historic sites and Civil War battlefields, developing new ways for national parks to work with their neighboring communities, and exploring ways to connect people to the national parks. He served at the National Park Service’s central planning, design, and construction center in Denver, and as the superintendent of the five National Parks in Western Pennsylvania, including Flight 93 National Memorial, where he also oversaw the international design competition for the Memorial. He started his National Park Service career as a seasonal ranger in 1990 at the Johnstown Flood National Memorial.
Reinbold holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in city and regional planning from the Ohio State University. He is married to Jacqueline Reinbold and they have two sons.
David M. Rubenstein
Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, The Carlyle Group, and 2017 History, Heroes & Hope Awardee
David M. Rubenstein is Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest and most successful private investment firms. Established in 1987, Carlyle now manages $276 billion from 27 offices around the world.
Mr. Rubenstein is Chairman of the Boards of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Economic Club of Washington; a Fellow of the Harvard Corporation; a Trustee of the National Gallery of Art, the University of Chicago, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, the Institute for Advanced Study, the National Constitution Center, the Brookings Institution, and the World Economic Forum; and a Director of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Mr. Rubenstein is a member of the American Philosophical Society, Business Council, Harvard Global Advisory Council (Chairman), Madison Council of the Library of Congress (Chairman), Board of Dean’s Advisors of the Business School at Harvard, Advisory Board of the School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University (former Chairman), and Board of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community.
Mr. Rubenstein has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Duke University and the Smithsonian Institution, and Co-Chairman of the Board of the Brookings Institution. Mr. Rubenstein is an original signer of The Giving Pledge, a significant donor to all of the above-mentioned non-profit organizations, and a recipient of the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, and the MoMA’s David Rockefeller Award, among other philanthropic awards.
Catherine Townsend
President and CEO, Trust for the National Mall
Leading the organization’s vision and strategy, Catherine works to bring innovative ideas and solutions to fulfill the Trust’s mission and partnership with the National Park Service. Utilizing over 30 years of experience in fundraising, relationship and organizational management, strategic partnerships, marketing and brand development, Catherine is developing ambitious plans to advance new initiatives and strategic philanthropy to meet the Trust’s vision by the year 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and a celebration that will showcase the National Mall.
Prior to joining the Trust, Catherine developed her own consulting practice, providing coaching and resource support to non-profit leaders until she was recruited to join the Trust in 2016. She served as the President and Executive Director of the DC Public Education Fund from 2012 to 2014, the independent non-profit that advances initiatives to improve student outcomes in DC Public Schools, helping implement the IMPACT program with funding from major foundations, as well as help grow its annual Standing Ovation, a star-studded awards ceremony honoring the achievements of top teachers, leaders, and school communities. She has also served as Senior Advisor at Townsend Public Affairs (a family-owned business) and launched their Federal office in Washington, DC in 2008.
honorary congressional co-chairs
The Honorable Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Mr. Verne Martell
The Honorable Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
The Honorable Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and Ms. Lisa Collis
The Honorable Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR)
PATRONS and Sponsors
The following important patrons and sponsors have stayed committed to the Trust’s mission and continued to support our annual fundraising event during these challenging times in our country. We are united in our work to ensure that the National Mall endures and evolves as a vibrant space for all.
Premier
David M. Rubenstein
Diamond
Platinum
GOLD
Akridge
Ernst & Young
ExxonMobil
HITT
Jacobs
MEDIA PARTNER
POLITICO
WAMU 88.5
Washingtonian
ABOUT THE HISTORY, HEROES and HOPE AWARD
The Trust for the National Mall created the History, Heroes, & Hope Award in 2014 to honor the spirit and ideals that the National Mall represents for our country. The Award has recognized dedicated public servants, long-time volunteers, and patriotic donors.
The History, Heroes, & Hope Awards have traditionally been presented during the Trust’s annual spring fundraising gala, with an audience of over 700 prominent business leaders, philanthropists, members of Congress and public officials. The global pandemic shifted the Award presentation to a virtual tribute in 2020, but we were able to host an intimate, in-person awards event in 2021 for invited guests and sponsors.
Previous recipients of the History, Heroes and Hope Award have included:
2020: The Honorable Lamar Alexander, Senator (R-TN)
2019: The Honorable Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and the late Congressman John Dingell (D-MI)
2018: Donald Adam and Annemarie Emmet, Volunteers-in-Parks Program Volunteers
2017: David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, The Carlyle Group
2016: Jonathan Jarvis, Former Director of the National Park Service
2015: John E. “Chip” Akridge III, Founder and Chairman of the Board, Trust for the National Mall
To watch last year’s virtual March On: History, Heroes & Hope Awards Show, click here.
Related
photo gallery: September 2023 Monumental view rooftop reception
Thank you to all who joined us for the Trust for National Mall's Monumental View Rooftop Reception overlooking the National Mall. We were delighted to gather with so many of our supporters, benefactors, volunteers, and special guests to celebrate the arrival of fall on America's Front Yard.
The evening kicked off with President and CEO of the Trust for the National Mall Catherine Townsend celebrating the impact of the art, artists and stories told through the inaugural exhibition Beyond Granite: Pulling Together. The Trust is especially grateful to our partners at the National Capital Planning Commission and the National Park Service for providing the vision and the opportunity to bring this important work to the National Mall and to the Mellon Foundation whose generous financial support made the exhibition possible.
The Trust would like to share gratitude for the inspiring remarks by Shannon Estenoz, Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks at the Department of the Interior, who recognized the National Mall as “America’s most important civic space” and for supporting our work with the National Park Service in making the Mall inclusive and accessible for all.
The Trust would also like to thank Jeff Reinbold, Superintendent for the National Mall and Memorial Parks, for reminding us that the National Mall is truly America’s Front Yard, “back yard, conscience, heart, and soul” and inspired everyone to continue to learn, engage, and make new memories on the National Mall.
We were also excited to have Scott Keenum, tournament director for National Mall of Pickleball, who shared some tips to help preview the Trust's National Mall of Pickleball event with our corporate partners at HUMANA.
During the reception, longtime Trust for the National Mall supporter Sherrie Beckstead previewed a new line of the Lockkeeper's Collection jewelry that pays tribute to our work to restore, relocate and activate the Lockkeeper’s House, with part of the proceeds supporting our work to restore, preserve and enrich the National Mall.
Event images by Jeff Song Photography and Trust for the National Mall staff
A Message from the Trust about Current Events
June 5, 2020 - The events that have unfolded over the last week have been both heart wrenching and thought-provoking. The senseless loss of lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and many others because of systemic racism and lack of accountability by authorities cannot be washed away as easily as the graffiti that defaced the Lincoln and WWII Memorials last weekend. We will restore these structures but the damage done by racism in every form is much harder to repair.
Long a symbolic place for the peaceful expression of First Amendment rights, the National Mall has fostered incredible moments in American history that advance the cause of justice, human rights and racial equity. The graffiti is in the process of being removed, but the more important action going forward is to be in a meaningful dialogue about these recent events, the history of social and racial injustices, and the voices who should be heard to inspire change. As the key advisor to Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Clarence B. Jones, said so well in his statement this week, “It is time to make good the promises of American democracy to all citizens – urban and rural, white and black, Spanish-surname, American Indian, and every minority group.” During his live virtual conversation on the topic Dr. Jones said, “We’re not there yet…and we should have arrived.” You can read his full remarks here.
The Trust will continue to fulfill our mission and what it stands for – to ensure that the National Mall is accessible to everyone, and fosters meaningful experiences and opportunities for expression. Eduard Krakhmalnikov, our new Director of Public Engagement Programs, said it so eloquently:
The National Mall is the nation’s civic stage, a canvas of expression where we tell the stories about the moments that changed our country forever. It is a destination for both commemoration and demonstration, of celebration and protest. The meaning of the National Mall is profoundly personal, every visitor takes their own lived realities with them and the National Mall – whether through individual reflection or the gathering of fellow citizens in protest – answers back. Each inch of the National Mall, as each inch of America, is filled with a thousand voices: the countless voices of the past and those striving to be heard today. To bear witness to these voices, to say I hear you, is to bear witness to America, to the strength of community and the sorrow of prejudice.
We are at a pivotal moment in America’s history. What comes next is up to us. A meaningful, soul-searching dialogue about power, privilege, and prejudice is taking place and we are all a part of it. The Trust for the National Mall stands proudly and in solidarity with the millions affected daily by racial inequity and injustice. We commit to honor and project these voices and to share these stories. Whomever you are, wherever you are, you are welcome on the National Mall. You belong here.
We welcome your thoughts and will continue to be in touch.
Stay safe and healthy.
Catherine Townsend
President & CEO
2023 #July4th on the mall photo gallery
The Trust for the National Mall is proud to showcase the stunning photography of visitors to the National Mall who come year-round to capture the greenery, foliage, architecture and activities of America’s Front Yard. Please enjoy this gallery of photographs taken during the National Mall’s Independence Day celebrations.
THank you to all who submitted to the Trust for the national mall’s official 2024 Wall Calendar
Thank you to all those who submitted their photos for consideration! We are excited to present the selected photographs for our 2024 calendar below.
How to purchase our official 2024 National Mall Wall Calendar:
The 2024 National Mall Wall Calendar is available for sale at the following kiosks on the National Mall. Your purchase helps support our work with the National Park Service to preserve, restore and elevate the National Mall!
Washington Monument
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Jefferson Memorial
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
Check out the 2024 Trust for the National Wall Calendar and contributors below!
donate your photos to the trust
All year long, the Trust features National Mall photography in our marketing materials and collateral to help spread the word about preserving, enriching and restoring the National Mall. We would love to highlight your talents with our work. If you would like your photos to be considered for future communications and marketing materials by the Trust for the National Mall, please specify that we have your permission with your preferred credit byline in an email to: comms@nationalmall.org with the subject line: “TNM Photo Permission.”
We will always credit your work. To see if your photos are featured, please sign up for our newsletters below.
Subscribe to news and updates to see featured photos
Latest News & Updates
snow on the national mall 2024 PHoto gallery
The Trust for the National Mall is proud to showcase the stunning photography of visitors to the National Mall who come year-round to capture the greenery, foliage, architecture and activities of America’s Front Yard. Please enjoy this gallery of photographs taken on the National Mall during the January 2024 snowfall!
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP lecture with historian dr. edward lengel
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
5:00 PM
Join the WLC on Tuesday, November 16 at 5 pm for this virtual event featuring Dr. Edward Lengel, Chief Historian at the National Medal of Honor Museum, former White House historian, author and George Washington expert. Dr. Lengel will discuss Revolutionary War history, General Washington as a military leader, and Medal of Honor standards and the National Medal of Honor Museum.
Questions?
Please contact Natalie Shanklin at nshanklin@nationalmall.org.
snow on the national mall 2024 PHoto gallery
The Trust for the National Mall is proud to showcase the stunning photography of visitors to the National Mall who come year-round to capture the greenery, foliage, architecture and activities of America’s Front Yard. Please enjoy this gallery of photographs taken on the National Mall during the January 2024 snowfall!
Trust for the National Mall Virtual Open House
Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 5 p.m. EDT
This special event will provide a concise overview of our history, our mission, and our future. Our short program will feature Trust leadership and key stakeholders on why our mission is so important and provide an opportunity to ask questions.
Questions?
Please contact Libbie Reed at shuston@nationalmall.org.
Trust cornerstone council Tour of the NEW U.S. PARK POLICE HORSE STABLES and education center
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
Trust Cornerstone Council members are invited to a special tour on the National Mall.
Please join fellow Trust for the National Mall Cornerstone Council members for an exclusive tour of the new U.S. Park Police Horse Stables and Education Center on the National Mall on Wednesday, March 15 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Advanced registration is requested for this activity.
To reserve your space, please fill out the form on this page. Kindly RSVP by March 10, 2023.
Register here to attend this event.
#Snowonthemall photo gallery
The Trust for the National Mall is proud to showcase the stunning photography of visitors to the National Mall who come year-round to capture the greenery, foliage, architecture and activities of America’s Front Yard. Please enjoy this gallery of photographs taken on the National Mall during Washington’s snow days!
A Message From Our Founder
A Message From Sally Akridge
#Fallonthemall photo gallery
The Trust for the National Mall is proud to showcase the stunning photography of visitors to the National Mall who come year-round to capture the greenery, foliage, architecture and activities of America’s Front Yard. Please enjoy this gallery of photographs taken on the National Mall during Fall 2021.
Trust cornerstone council service event at the wwii memorial
Saturday, November 5, 2022
10:00 AM–12:00 PM EST
Trust Cornerstone Council members are invited to a special volunteer activity on the National Mall. Help us brighten the wall of stars and the Atlantic Theater and Pacific Theater bas relief panels at the WWII Memorial!
Join National Park Service Volunteer Coordinator James Pierce and fellow Trust Cornerstone Council members in this fun and productive activity that only takes place at the WWII Memorial – 4 times a year!
We welcome your time and energy as we gather to wash the wall of stars and the bas relief panels at the WWII Memorial – Families Welcome!
This is a unique opportunity for community service hours.
PLEASE NOTE: Advanced registration is requested for this activity. Waders in various adult sizes will be provided.
To reserve your space, please fill out the form on this page.
RSVP Today!
Register here to attend this event.
The Influence of African Americans on the National Mall
Throughout the National Mall’s history, African Americans have helped shape every aspect of its development: from the land and buildings to the ways in which we view and experience this iconic space. Below we highlight some of the African American thought leaders, community leaders, business leaders, performers and others who have influenced the National Mall and who continue to build its robust future.
Creating the National Mall
Before the creation of the National Mall and the nation’s capital, much of the land that is now Washington, D.C. was worked by enslaved Africans. The labor of these enslaved peoples built the Maryland economy by cultivating tobacco on large plantations. Once the land was decided on as the new capital in 1790, enslaved labor continued until slavery was abolished within the District of Columbia in 1850. The work of these individuals is often overlooked in the telling of the National Mall’s origin story, and we acknowledge and honor their role and their work. Black Americans played a leadership role in creating and defining the National Mall’s landscape.
Benjamin Banneker
In 1791, Benjamin Banneker was selected as the official assistant surveyor in surveying what would be the nation’s new capital city. Banneker was a well-known astronomer, inventor, and surveyor who had printed one of the first almanac series in America. Thomas Jefferson approved his appointment, making Benjamin Banneker one of first official Black civil servants in the United States. Banneker used his self-taught expertise to survey what would be the capital city and lay the city’s boundary stones. The calculations done by Banneker were used by Major Pierre Charles L’Enfant to create the city plan for Washington, D.C., which included space dedicated for what would become the National Mall. Benjamin Banneker Park, located near L’Enfant Plaza in D.C., is dedicated in the city surveyor’s honor. (Source: National Park Service)
Archie Alexander
AArchie Alexander was a renowned engineer and in 1912 was the first African-American student to graduate from the University of Iowa's College of Engineering. He quickly advanced in his career to launch Alexander & Repass with his classmate Maurice Repass. The firm specialized in bridges and viaducts and led a number of projects across Washington, DC, including the construction of the Whitehurst Freeway and an extension of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. On the National Mall, Alexander's firm was responsible for building a bridge and seawall at the Tidal Basin, where they employed an integrated construction crew. Throughout his career, Alexander led over 300 projects, and his firm became so successful, Ebony magazine declared it "the nation's most famous interracial business.” (Source: Histories of the National Mall)
A Platform for Change
The National Mall has a long history as “America’s Civic Stage,” serving as a platform for national calls for justice, human rights, and racial equity. Through marches, speeches, and peaceful demonstrations, history has been made decade after decade as individuals from around the world break barriers and share their voices. Many African American civil rights leaders and heroes have been at the forefront of historic movements, such as the 1913 Women’s Suffragist Procession, the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, and other ground-breaking movements that inspire how we fight for justice today.
Ida B. Wells-Barnett
Ida B. Wells-Barnett, a prominent Black activist, played a significIda B. Wells-Barnett, a prominent Black activist, played a significant role in the women’s suffrage movement, standing up for African American women in a movement from which they were routinely excluded. At the Women’s Suffragist Procession down Pennsylvania Ave in 1913, on the day before Woodrow Wilson’s Presidential Inauguration, word spread that National Woman’s Party Leader Alice Paul wanted the march to be segregated. The Delegation of Illinois Suffragists instructed Ida B. Wells-Barnett, their only Black member, to go to the back of the procession. Instead, she stood along the parade route. When the Illinois Delegation appeared, Wells stepped out in front and led the Illinois suffragists for the rest of the procession, a statement that Black women were essential leaders in the fight for women’s suffrage and must be recognized as such. (Source: National Park Service)
Marian Anderson
Marian Anderson, the renowned African American opera singer, made history when she performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday, 1939. After being prohibited from performing at Constitution Hall because she was Black, Marian Anderson worked with Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to find an alternate location for her concert. While Constitution Hall would have permitted an audience of a few thousand, the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall enabled more than 75,000 people to attend the historic event. Marian Anderson inspired the nation by breaking barriers, with the Lincoln Memorial serving as a backdrop for her, her message and for the Civil Rights Movement. She performed again at the Lincoln Memorial during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
A. Philip Randolph
A. Philip Randolph, labor leader and social activist, was named the Director of the 1963 March on Washington and shared the stage with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., speaking to over 200,000 people and calling for equal rights. Randolph set the precedent for the 1963 march by organizing a 10,000 person demonstration in Washington, DC in 1941 to protest unfair working conditions and discrimination in defense industries--becoming a leading force in desegregating the military. Randolph is the founder of The Messenger, an African-American socialist magazine, and The Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car Porters, the first official Black labor union. In 1964 Randolph was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Lyndon B. Johnson for his work to advance Civil Rights. (Source: PBS)
Bayard Rustin
Bayard Rustin, civil rights leader and activist, was the Deputy Director of the 1963 March on Washington and was the chief organizer of the event. His tactics in organizing the day’s events are praised for being one of the most outstanding event executions in history. In addition to the notable scale of the event, which gathered an estimated 250,000 Americans from all different parts of the country, Rustin successfully executed the March despite opposition from the Kennedy Administration and fears of violence from the public. Rustin also faced discrimination for being an openly gay activist, a cause for his reduced position title of “deputy”. The success of this event not only centralized the Civil Rights Movement among African Americans, but demonstrated what a powerful stage the National Mall could be to amplify citizens’ voices and forge a path towards changing laws. Rustin’s creative communications strategies and planning with local and national organizations established a model for how events on the National Mall should be executed. Rustin posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. (Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture)
John Lewis
John Lewis, in addition to helping plan the 1963 March on Washington, was the youngest person to speak at the event at just 23 years old. He delivered a powerful speech criticizing lawmakers for not doing enough to stop discrimination. John Lewis was a constant force advocating for equal rights. He was one of the 13 original “Freedom Riders,” challenging segregation in the South, organized the march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights, and directed the Voter Education Project. John Lewis served as US Representative for Georgia’s 5th District from 1987 to his death in 2020. In that role, he continued to advocate for voting rights and improvements in education, mentored generations of civil rights leaders, and was a vocal and ardent civil rights leader until his death in 2020. (Source: Biography)
Dorothy Height
Dorothy Height was an activist and key advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and was an organizer of and participant in the 1963 March on Washington. Height spent her life fighting racism and sexism, and she was called on to advise multiple political leaders, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Lyndon B. Johnson. She was the president of the National Council of Negro Women for more than 40 years, which supported voting rights and funded many civil rights activists through her leadership. Height was the only woman activist on the speakers’ platform during King’s “I Have a Dream’’ speech, though she herself was not given time to speak besides playing a key role in the March’s planning. (Source: National Women's History Museum)
Building for the Future
Black History continues to be made on the National Mall, year in and year out. Black voices and leadership continue to shape the landscape of the National Mall, ensuring that it remains an inclusive and vibrant space for all. The following are just a few of the modern-day leaders who are continuing to shape the National Mall now and build a space that continues to evolve for future generations. Check back often as we will continue to share more stories of inspiring individuals contributing to the growth and evolution of the National Mall.
Deryl McKissack
Deryl McKissack is the president and CEO of McKissack & McKissack, a continuation of the nation’s oldest African American architectural firm. McKissack is in the 5th generation of her family to work in the construction business, starting with her great-great grandfather, Moses McKissack, an enslaved man who learned construction and passed on the skill to his children. While Deryl has been leading McKissack & McKissack, the company has led on construction on many sites around the National Mall, notably serving as the Architect of Record for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. McKissack also provided support in the construction of the National Museum of African American History and Culture and in the renovations of the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials.
Harry E. Johnson, Sr.
Harry E. Johnson, Sr. is president and CEO of The Memorial Foundation, “the builders of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.” Before founding The Memorial Foundation, Johnson was national president of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, the organization originally authorized by Congress to build a memorial honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Under Johnson’s direction, The Memorial Foundation raised more than $112 million to fund the building of the memorial, in addition to assembling leaders to design, plan, and build the memorial. Since the Memorial was dedicated in 2011, The Memorial Foundation ensures the site remains a living space where visitors are inspired by King’s life and legacy.
Lonnie Bunch, III
Lonnie Bunch, III is the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and the first African American to hold this position. Prior to becoming Secretary, Bunch was the Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. From 2005 to 2019, Bunch led the creation, opening, and successful launch of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the largest site devoted to showcasing the African American story. Bunch has received numerous awards for his contributions as a leader, historian, storyteller, and museum professional.
Sheila C. Johnson
Sheila C. Johnson, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, is the Vice Chair of the Trust for the National Mall Board, through which position she has been a support to numerous projects on the National Mall. Prior to joining the Board, Johnson was an active supporter on the National Mall, and was a leading philanthropist for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Most recently, Johnson is the Chair of the U.S. Park Police Horse Stables and Education Center Campaign. Johnson has a hand in many business and philanthropic endeavors, as CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, a founding partner of Black Entertainment Television, and the only African American women to have ownership in three professional sports teams: the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the NHL’s Washington Capitals, and the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, for which she serves as President and Managing Partner.
Related
november 2022 - Construction progress on the horse stables and education center on the national mall
The Trust for the National Mall is excited to share these photos from the construction site of the Horse Stables and Education Center on the National Mall as it takes shape on America’s Front Yard during the month of November. We are excited to see the completed facility, which will be finalized by the end of this year, as well as welcome visitors from across the world to learn about the horses and the history of the U.S. Park Police Mounted Unit in 2023.
photos
Monumental View: Rooftop reception
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
5:30–7:00 PM EST
As we embrace fall on America's Front Yard, the Trust for the National Mall invites you and your guests to join us for a special "golden hour" gathering overlooking the National Mall from our office headquarters rooftop and celebrate our work to preserve, restore and enrich this iconic space. Come join us at 5:30 PM as we watch the sunset bathe America's Front Yard in an autumnal, warm glow from our rooftop office headquarters, which overlooks sweeping views of the National Mall.
The Trust for the National Mall is thrilled to welcome our longtime champions, new supporters and corporate partners to thank you for your support and gaze out upon the special space that we steward during one of the most beautiful seasons of the year.
Our offices are located near the White House at 1730 Pennsylvania Ave NW. We will escort all guests to our rooftop space. Please monitor your inbox for more important information on your arrival as we approach the date of our gathering.
We hope you are able to join us for this special occasion as we celebrate our partners and supporters who make our important work on the National Mall possible. Fill out the form to register to join us! Please also feel free to share whether you will be inviting a guest(s) to join you for the event.
Register here to attend this event.
photo gallery: Horse Stables and Education Center ribbon cutting and grand opening
On June 14, 2023, the Trust for the National Mall and the National Park Service unveiled the new U.S. Park Park Police Horse Stables and Wells Fargo Education Center on the National Mall. The Trust led this transformational project to replace and upgrade the original horse stables built in the 1970’s and to create the new Education Center in partnership with the National Park Service and the United States Park Police Mounted Unit. The complete facility was designed and built by the Trust for the National Mall and was supported entirely by private philanthropy, thanks to its generous supporters including Wells Fargo and Campaign Chair Sheila Johnson.
The opening of the new horse stables and education center marks the completion of the Trust’s largest and most significant project to date—built in partnership with the National Park Service. The project also represents the first milestone in a series of projects planned by the Trust and the National Park Service to prepare the National Mall for the semiquincentennial – the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 where the National Mall will play center stage. Sign up here to follow our exciting plans for 2026.
Learn more here about the Horse Stables project, its generous supporters, and how to visit.
Event images courtesy of Jeff Song Photography for the Trust for the National Mall.
Construction progress on the horse stables and education center on the national mall
The Trust for the National Mall is excited to share these photos from the construction site of the Horse Stables and Education Center on the National Mall as it takes shape on America’s Front Yard. We are excited to see the completed facility, which will be finalized by the end of this year, as well as welcome visitors from across the world to learn about the horses and the history of the U.S. Park Police Mounted Unit in 2023.
Ribbon Cutting: NEW Horse stables and education center on the national mall
Wednesday, June 14th, 2023
9:00 AM ET
Please join the Trust for the National Mall on Wednesday, June 14 starting at 9:00 AM to unveil the new Education Center at the U.S. Park Police Horse Stables and celebrate this major milestone for the Trust with the National Park Service and the U.S. Park Police Mounted Unit.
Register here to attend this event.
Our hope is to bring a positive, inclusive experience to viewers all across the country for a shared celebration of some of the individuals, organizations, and movements that represent the ideals of the National Mall. Hosted by Norah O’Donnell, Anchor & Managing Editor, CBS Evening News. Please share with others and your feedback as well HERE.
You can be a Hero for the National Mall with a gift today!
Your partnership through philanthropy allows the Trust to preserve, restore, and enrich the National Mall. Your philanthropy is vital for the Trust’s approach to bring restoration and sustainability to the National Mall through public awareness, educational programming, volunteer engagement, and critical improvement projects for America’s Front Yard.
Your gift is a crucial driver of success for the National Mall as the Trust is the leading nonprofit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring and improving the National Mall as a civic stage.
Join us today!
Event Program
HOST
Norah O’Donnell
Anchor and Managing Editor, CBS Evening News
PERFORMANCES
America (My Country, ‘Tis of Thee)
Denyce Graves-Montgomery, American operatic mezzo-soprano
America The Beautiful
Maggie Rose, American rock & soul singer
Sing Out, March On
Joshuah Brian Campbell, Writer and Composer
2020 History, Heroes, & Hope Award* Honoreee
The Honorable Lamar Alexander
Senator (R-TN)
GUEST APPEARANCES
John E. “Chip” Akridge III
Founder and Chairman, Akridge Founder and Chairman, Trust for the National Mall
Sally Akridge
Co-chair, Women’s Leadership Committee, Trust for the National Mall
Marcia Argust
Director, U.S. Public Lands and Rivers Conservation, The Pew Charitable Trusts
The Honorable David L. Bernhardt
Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior
The Honorable Muriel Bowser
Mayor, Washington, D.C.
Cassius Cash
Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, National Park Service
Georgette "Gigi" Dixon
Head of External Relations, Wells Fargo
The Honorable William Hurd
Congressman (R-Tex)
Sheila Johnson
Founder and CEO, Salamander Hotels & Resorts
Michael Litterst
Chief of Communications, National Mall and Memorial Parks, National Park Service
Dana Perino
Best Selling Author and News Analyst
The Honorable Rob Portman
Senator (R-Ohio)
Jeffrey Reinbold
Superintendent, National Mall and Memorial Parks, National Park Service
David M. Rubenstein
Philanthropist, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Chairman of The Carlyle Group
Jake Tapper
Chief Washington Correspondent, CNN
Catherine Townsend
President and CEO, Trust for the National Mall
The Honorable Mark R. Warner
Senator (D-Va)
Eun Yang
Anchor, NBC News4 Today
Event Production
Long Story Short Media
Linder Global Events
HOST COMMITTEE
The Trust for the National Mall is grateful to our special event co-chairs and host committee members. The committed volunteers below have dedicated their time and energy to helping the Trust navigate the pivot from our annual fundraising gala to our virtual special event, March On: History, Heroes, & Hope on the National Mall.
Congressional Host Committee Co-Chairs
The Honorable Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Mr. Verne Martell
The Honorable Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and Ms. Lisa Collis
The Honorable Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Ms. Jeralynn Hansen Bishop
The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
Honorary Diplomatic Host Committee Chair
Her Excellency Dr. Emily Haber, Ambassador of Germany
Host Committee Chairs
Nels Olson, Korn Ferry
Sherrie, Sidney, & Sara Beckstead, Liljenquist & Beckstead, The Lockkeeper’s Collection
Lanny & Susan Griffith, BGR Group
Host Committee Members
Marcella Cohen
Kevin Dunmire, Akridge
Tara Wade Foscato, PNC Bank
Andrew Gelfuso, TCMA, A Drew Company
Eric & Nicole Hoplin
Kevin Jacobs, Hilton
William Magruder, Clark Construction Group, LLC
John Mason, Altria Client Services
Cathy Merrill, Merrill Family Foundation
PATRONS and Sponsors
The following important patrons and sponsors have stayed committed to the Trust’s mission and continued to support our annual fundraising event during these challenging times in our country. We are united in our work to ensure that the National Mall endures and evolves as a vibrant space for all.
*ABOUT THE HISTORY, HEROES and HOPE AWARD
The History, Heroes, and Hope Award honors individuals that embody the spirit and ideals that the National Mall represents for our country. The 2020 History, Heroes, and Hope Award is awarded to the Honorable Lamar Alexander, Senator from Tennessee.
As chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and chairman of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Alexander is a longtime champion of our national parks. He was the pioneer behind the effort to restore our parks and an early co-sponsored the "Great American Outdoors Act,” the bipartisan legislation recently signed into law that will cut in half the nearly $12 billion deferred maintenance backlog in our national parks over the next five years. A number of Senator Alexander’s colleagues and friends will pay tribute to his career in public service during the special event.
Other recipients of the History, Heroes and Hope Award have included:
2019: The Honorable Lisa Murkowski and the late Congressman John Dingell
2018: Donald Adam and Annemarie Emmet, Volunteers-in-Parks Program Volunteers
2017: David M. Rubenstein
2016: Jonathan Jarvis, Former Director of the National Park Service
2015: John E. “Chip” Akridge III, Founder and Chairman of the Board, Trust for the National Mall
Related
Trust Cornerstone council cocktail reception photo gallery
May 25, 2022
Ball for the Mall attendee form
PLEASE RETURN BY APRIL 26 TO: EVENTS@NATIONALMALL.ORG
Register here to attend this event.
Trust for the National mall Hosts Corporate Leaderhsip Council For Roundtable and Rooftop Gathering
The Trust for the National Mall was honored to welcome our Corporate Leadership Council to our headquarters to discuss the Trust’s partnership with the National Park Service on the National Mall this past season while looking ahead to exciting upcoming projects this fall.
Trust for the National mall Hosts Corporate Leaderhsip Council For Roundtable and Rooftop Gathering
The Trust for the National Mall was honored to welcome our Corporate Leadership Council to our headquarters to discuss the Trust’s partnership with the National Park Service on the National Mall this past season while looking ahead to exciting upcoming projects this fall.
DONATE TO TRUST FOR THE NATIONAL MALL ANNUAL FUND
You can help elevate America’s Front Yard by giving in honor of the 75th annual Flag Day! Make a gift before the July 4 deadline to show what the Stars and Stripes means to you.
Your gift will help protect the historic legacy and ensure the vibrant future of the National Mall. The Trust for the National Mall is the leading nonprofit philanthropic partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring, preserving, and enriching the National Mall – America's most visited and most treasured national park.
Your gift will make a difference. Every monument and memorial on the National Mall was built in part through private donations. The Trust stewards private support to design and deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to transform the visitor experience and preserve the historic legacy of America’s premier civic stage.
Your tax-deductible gift is an investment in our important work to bring expertise, private funding and in-kind support to time-sensitive restoration and sustainability projects, mobilize volunteers and provide educational content and opportunities to ensure that the National Mall endures and evolves as a vibrant space for all for generations to come.
For questions, please contact gifts@nationalmall.org.
Monthly gifts go even further to preserve this beloved space.
#CherryBlossoms on the mall photo gallery
The Trust for the National Mall is proud to showcase the stunning photography of visitors to the National Mall who come year-round to capture the greenery, foliage, architecture and activities of America’s Front Yard. Please enjoy this gallery of photographs taken on the National Mall to commemorate the highly anticipated 2023 Cherry Blossom Season!
#Fallonthemall photo gallery
The Trust for the National Mall is proud to showcase the stunning photography of visitors to the National Mall who come year-round to capture the greenery, foliage, architecture and activities of America’s Front Yard. Please enjoy this gallery of photographs taken on the National Mall during Fall 2022.
2023 Stewardship update photography
The National Mall is filled with symbolism, beauty, and meaning, so the Trust for the National Mall is grateful to all of our photography partners who help us tell the story of this iconic space.
The 2023 Stewardship Update includes many works contributed by volunteer photographers who contribute their works to the Trust for projects including our Annual Wall Calendar, as well as partner and staff photographers who help capture our events.
For more great photography, make sure to follow us on Instagram at @thenationalmall
2023 Stewardship Update Photo Credits
Cover
“Of Thee We Sing” by AJ Mitchell
Volunteer and veteran by Angela Napili
“Restoration and Sustainability”
USPP Horse and students by Jeff Song
“After” U.S. Park Police Horse Stables and Education Center by Alan Karchmer
Project funders touring the new facility by Stephen Bobb
Visitors enjoying the new exhibits; students meeting horses; and new tack room by Jeff Song
President Steinmeier by German Federal Government / Bergmann
“Public Awareness and Educational Enrichment”
“Of Thee We Sing”; “The Soil You See”; “Homegoing”; “America’s Playground”; “For the Living”; “Let Freedom Ring” by AJ Mitchell
Artist portraits by AJ Mitchell
“Rustin” film still by Netflix
Cherry trees at the Tidal Basin by Seth Hoffman
Sheila Johnson and David M. Rubenstein; Ambassador Emily Haber by Blake Belcher
Lonnie G. Bunch III by Tony Powell
Bruce Broussard; Jill Biden; and Catherine Townsend by Blake Belcher
“Volunteerism and Community Engagement”
Honor Flight and volunteer by Angela Napili
Honor Flight, volunteer and veteran at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial by Angela Napili
National Mall of Pickleball by Eric Kayne/AP
Back Cover
Lincoln and American Flag by Brad Herson
Cherry blossoms at Tidal Basin by Jacob Bryant
“Let Freedom Ring” by AJ Mitchell
Ducks at the Reflecting Pool by Angela Napili