#ripdavidmccullough

David McCullough speaks at the National Archives on Constitution Day 9/13/2011. NARA ID 210383267. See the video!

David McCullough, Pulitzer Prize—winning biographer of President Harry Truman, researching at the Truman Library, 1990.

#RIP David McCullough

"The great collection of the National Archives is one of the wonders of our country, the richest, most enthralling documentation we have as a nation of who we are, what we have achieved, our adventures, and what we stand for." David McCullough

Historian and author David McCullough believed and demonstrated through his remarkable career that history matters and records matter. He frequently researched, visited and spoke at the National Archives and was our greatest fan.

Asked what he would add to the 2000 National Millennium Time Capsule, McCullough said "A Boston Public Library card":

"I recommend that the time capsule include at least one public library card for a child…a Boston Public Library card would be particularly suitable, as the Boston Public Library was the first to allow readers to take books home. Our free public library system is one of the greatest of all American institutions, and reflects perhaps as well as anything could the theme of past and future. Cross the threshold of a public library and you enter a world of pure democracy, the world of books and learning open to all, free to the people.' What journeys of mind and spirit are there for the taking with a library card." Clinton White House time capsule statement.

McCullough helped launch the 2002 Our Documents initiative highlighting 100 milestone documents in American history— drawn largely from our holdings. He was the recipient of the first-ever National Archives Records of Achievement Award in 2004, given by the Foundation for the National Archives.

President George W. Bush, in the Rose Garden with David McCullough (right), announcing the Our Documents initiative.

President George W. Bush honors McCullough with the 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom, 12/15/2006. AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais.

More online:

Playlist: David McCullough at the National Archives

David McCullough speaks at the Kennedy Library on the Wright Brothers, 6/22/2015

David McCullough speaks at the Kennedy Library on "The American Spirit"

David McCullough speaks at the Kennedy Library about Senator Ted Kennedy’s life and their friendship, 1/28/2010.