Second Acts: Presidential Legacies in Action with Mark K. Updegrove

Presidential Centers and Foundations are hubs for activism and democracy, and cornerstones in their communities. We’re welcoming the leaders of some of these institutions, from across the country and the political spectrum, to the Clinton Center. Join us Tuesday, November 18, at 6 p.m. for a fascinating conversation with Mark K. Updegrove, the president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation.

Since joining the LBJ Presidential Library in 2009, Updegrove and the library have continued their efforts to preserve President Lyndon B. Johnson’s legacy and inspire future generations. His role combines stewardship of the presidential legacy with broader presidential foundation initiatives. Updegrove will also talk about his newest book, “Make Your Mark: Lessons in Character from Seven Presidents.”

ATTEND: The program will be available on our YouTube channel the following day.

ASL interpretation is available during our events.

Mark K. Updegrove is the president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation and the presidential historian and political analyst for ABC News. Earlier in his career, he was the director of the LBJ Presidential Library, the publisher of Newsweek, and has written for the New York Times, Politico, and TIME.

During his tenure as director of the LBJ Presidential Library, he played a key role in preserving and promoting civic education through impactful exhibits and programs. Notably, he hosted the 2014 Civil Rights Summit, including former Presidents Carter, H.W. Bush, W. Bush, Clinton, and Obama. In 2016, he oversaw the Vietnam War Summit, which included notable figures like John Kerry, Henry Kissinger, and Ken Burns. As an author, his most recent work is “Make Your Mark: Lessons in Character from Seven Presidents.” Other titles include Second Acts: Presidential Lives and Legacies After the White House (2006) and one of his most powerful books, The Last Republicans: Inside the Extraordinary Relationship Between George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush (2017), which examines the presidential legacy of the father and son.

After leaving the LBJ Library, Updegrove became the first CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum, serving from 2017 until January 2018. His main accomplishment was overseeing the early development efforts for the museum’s establishment.

Now, as the CEO, his efforts to create and promote interviews, writings, and public programs continue to expand the national discourse on democracy while preserving the legacy of the American presidency.

The LBJ Presidential Library, operated under the auspices of the National Archives and Records Administration, through public programming aimed to address the issues of our times. The Foundation provides support for the library by enhancing educational outreach and museum exhibits, administering grants for researchers and scholars, and directing public programming.