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Inaugural Ball, William Fulton Soare, 1931. Gift of Dr. Thomas Fulton Soare, the artist's only child, and Robert Randolph Soare, the artist's only grandchild, 2006 [M-4540], MVLA

Hear from Pulitzer Prize–winning author and world-renowned presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Enjoy a book signing and reception with complimentary beer, wine, and hors-d'oeuvres after the discussion.

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This annual event was created to share new scholarship and insights into the life and times of Martha Washington and is made possible through a generous grant from the Richard S. Reynolds Foundation of Richmond, Virginia.

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In-Person: $60

Virtual: $20
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Join Doris Kearns Goodwin for Her First Public Talk at Mount Vernon

Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky, Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library, will interview Goodwin about her work in the Lyndon B. Johnson White House, her groundbreaking career as the preeminent woman presidential historian, and her many award-winning biographies. 

Learn about the Theodore Roosevelt - William Howard Taft relationship, the visionary presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln's team of rivals. Goodwin will also discuss the central role of first ladies to the presidency and American history.

Attend as Part of the Women's Leadership Summit

If you buy a virtual or in-person ticket to the 2026 Women's Leadership Summit, the Martha Washington Lecture is included. 

Learn More About the Summit

Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize–winning presidential historian and bestselling author widely sought for her insights on leadership and American history. Her latest book, An Unfinished Love Story (2024), debuted at #1 on the New York Times list and is being developed as a feature film. 

She also published her first book for young readers in 2024 and has produced several major History Channel series through her company, Pastimes Productions. Goodwin’s acclaimed works include Team of Rivals, the basis for Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln, The Bully Pulpit, and No Ordinary Time, which won the Pulitzer Prize. 

Her career began as a White House Fellow working with President Lyndon Johnson, inspiring her first bestseller. A frequent media commentator, she has consulted on numerous documentaries, earned multiple prestigious awards, and holds degrees from Colby College and Harvard University.

Join Doris Kearns Goodwin for her first public talk at Mount Vernon

Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky, Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library, will interview Goodwin about her work in the Lyndon B. Johnson White House, her ground-breaking career as the preeminent woman presidential historian, and her many award-winning biographies. Learn about the Theodore Roosevelt - William Howard Taft relationship, the visionary presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln's team of rivals. Goodwin will also discuss the central role of first ladies to the presidency and American history.

If you buy a virtual or in-person ticket to the 2026 Women's Leadership Summit, the Martha Washington Lecture is included. Learn more about the Women's Leadership Summit by clicking this link