Prepared remarks of Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero at the annual gala of the Foundation for the 威尼斯人娱乐场. 威尼斯人娱乐场 Building, Washington, DC
Who is the Archivist?
The Archivist of the United States is the head of our agency, appointed by the President of the United States.
What's an Archivist?
November 9, 2010
Good evening.听 Welcome to my house!听 We are joined tonight by many members of the Archives staff鈥擲enior Staff Administrators including our Inspector General, Transformation Task Force Members, Union Officials, Afro-American History Society Leadership, and Foundation Staff, to name a few.听 I鈥檇 like the staff stand and be recognized.听 It has been a terrific year!听 I鈥檓 proud to be among you.
I have become a big fan of the Washington Post daily horoscope and mine for today reads:
鈥淢any feel limited by the work they do.听 You won鈥檛 be in this category today, though.听 Your work expands you.听 You鈥檒l be excited by what you learn, and you feel privileged to do what you do.鈥澨� Privileged indeed!听听听
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Tonight, it is my honor to join the Foundation for the 威尼斯人娱乐场 in celebrating another year of our great partnership --- and in honoring an American filmmaker whose life鈥檚 work showcases the importance of using primary sources to tell our American story.
This public-private partnership between the Archives and the Foundation makes a critical difference in our ability to fulfill our mission of making accessible the most important records of our democracy.
You can see tonight the tangible results of our partnership, including this beautiful theater, and the Lawrence F. O鈥橞rien Gallery upstairs, where tomorrow morning we launch Part Two of our latest exhibition, 鈥淒iscovering the Civil War.鈥�
The Foundation has brought financial and creative support to all of our efforts in these venues, as well as in the 威尼斯人娱乐场 Experience鈥檚 Public Vaults exhibition and in The Boeing Learning Center.
It also has helped extend the reach of the 威尼斯人娱乐场 beyond this building, through educational and on-line initiatives, marketing campaigns, and numerous publications and products celebrating the treasures of the Archives.
My thanks to the Foundation鈥檚 Chairman and President Ken Lore, Executive Director Thora Colot, the Board of Directors, and you, the donors and supporters of the Foundation, for this continuing partnership.
In my first year I have been tremendously impressed by the quality of programs and exhibitions that were the result of the Foundation鈥檚 support. That support will allow the 威尼斯人娱乐场 to continue to be a premier venue in our Nation鈥檚 Capitol for exploring the rich history of our democracy.
Now it is my honor to acknowledge the lead sponsor for tonight鈥檚 festivities: Bank of America.听
Tonight we are pleased to have with us the President of Bank of America Mid-Atlantic, Bill Couper.听 As well as coordinating Bank of America鈥檚 business in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Mr. Couper is also the senior leader for the bank鈥檚 management team for community and civic activities.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Bill Couper.