Swearing-in Ceremony of Dr. Colleen Shogan
On Monday, September 11, 2023, the National Archives and National Archives Foundation held a swearing-in ceremony for the 11th Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen Shogan. The ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden gave keynote remarks.
Dr. Colleen Shogan makes remarks as Archivist of the United States on Sept. 11, 2023, at the National Archives in Washington, DC. NARA Photo by Susana Raab.
First Lady Jill Biden spoke about the vast holdings of the National Archives and how they reflect us as a nation—“imperfectly marching toward a more perfect union.” As an educator, Dr. Biden also invoked the unofficial motto of the National Archives, what’s past is prologue, to affirm the importance of the institution’s role in learning our shared history.
Dr. Shogan took her oath, administered by Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. In an acknowledgment of the historic moment, she took the podium dressed in a white pantsuit, an homage to the suffragists who blazed the path for her and other women to not only participate in government, but also to lead it.
The archivist’s remarks laid out a bold future for the agency tasked with protecting and sharing our past. Prioritizing accountability, adopting new technology, and embracing creative outreach strategies were the main points of Dr. Shogan’s vision for the agency.
Learn more about our 11th Archivist, Dr. Colleen Shogan
Dr. Shogan became archivist in May 2023 after serving at the White House Historical Association and Library of Congress. Her research specialties are the American Presidency, Presidential rhetoric, women in politics, and Congress.
On Monday, Archivist Shogan announced that the National Archives would be the “first stop for all teachers and students, and we will double-down on creating useful, engaging materials for the classroom.”
The National Archives Foundation’s Civics Education Fund is key in fulfilling this goal. With your help, the Archives’ holdings are being brought directly into classrooms across the nation. Donate before September 30 and your impact will be doubled!
Learn more about the Civics Fund here.
