Annual History Dinner

The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute For American Democracy presents educational dinners showcasing historic figures that helped define and advance our nation and democracy.

2024 History Dinner HEADER

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, November 16, 2024

6:00 PM Reception | 7:00 PM Program and Dinner

The Phoenician  | Scottsdale, Arizona

2024 Kai Bird
2024 Graham

Dinner Co-Chairs

ELLEN & HOWARD KATZ | MARGOT & DENNIS KNIGHT

2024 HD HERO

Previous History Dinners

Dinner With Frederick Douglass

On November 4, 2023, over 900 guests at the Phoenician Resort attended the sold out Dinner With Frederick Douglass. Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Blight noted that the O'Connor Institute annual History Dinner crowd was one of the "largest dinners for history" he has witnessed in the world.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner before listening to David Blight discuss the life of Frederick Douglass and his book Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. The fireside chat between Blight and Douglass descendant Kenneth Morris, Jr., provided the audience with a glimpse at their years-long relationship and Blight's research into Douglass' life.

Nita and Phil Francis and Lois and Steve Savage served as Dinner Co-Chairs who helped raise funds benefitting the Institute’s civics education and civil discourse programs.

Dinner With Benjamin Franklin

Dinner With Benjamin Franklin was a successful sellout. On November 18, 2022, some 900 guests at the Arizona Biltmore enjoyed cocktails and dinner before listening to Walter Isaacson, author of Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. Isaacson gave an impressive talk on Franklin's legacy that was intriguing, educational, and inspiring, and in which he noted several striking similarities between the Founding Father and Justice O’Connor.

The subsequent fireside chat between Isaacson and his fellow journalist and longtime friend Evan Thomas was riveting and offered even greater insight into the genius of Benjamin Franklin.

Jan and Tom Lewis together with Sharon and Dr. Oliver Harper served as Dinner Co-Chairs who helped raise funds benefitting the Institute’s multigenerational education programs.

Dinner With Eisenhower - The War Years

Over 900 guests attended Dinner With Eisenhower - The War Years at the Institute’s annual History Dinner on Friday, Novebember 19, 2021. David Eisenhower, grandson of Dwight D. Eisenhower was the distinguished speaker, whose presentation demonstrated his vast knowledge of D-Day and World War II. The Glenn Miller Orchestra delighted the audience including a military songs medley as veterans in the audience stood. Two World War II veterans present, Hon. General Gregory Melikian and Frederick "Big Cat" Peterson received a standing ovation. A World War II exhibit on display during the reception was provided by the Arizona Military Museum. Senator Jon Kyl conducted the Fireside Chat with Mr. Eisenhower following his expert presentation.

Many generous sponsors helped to underwrite the evening, including Presenting Sponsors Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane, whose Sonoma County wine, Benovia, was served with dinner at the Arizona Biltmore. Dionne and Francis Najafi together with Terry and Steve Roman served as Dinner Co-Chairs who helped raise funds benefitting the Institute’s multigenerational education programs.

Dinner With Hamilton ~ The Man and the Musical

The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute honored Founding Father Alexander Hamilton at its Annual History Dinner on November 9, 2019 at The Phoenician. Dinner With Hamilton – The Man and The Musical featured acclaimed author and historian Ron Chernow. The sold-out evening was attended by 800 guests in support of the O’Connor Institute’s educational programs.

SRP and the White House Design Studio magically transformed the ballroom into colonial Philadelphia, with the menu and music of the evening also paying tribute to the historic era. Ron Chernow artfully educated and entertained the crowd with his extensive knowledge of Alexander Hamilton and our nation’s founding. In addition to his remarks, the audience delighted in a performance from the hit Broadway musical – Hamilton – with permission from Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Senator Jon Kyl conducted the traditional fireside chat with Mr. Chernow, which further illuminated the remarkable life of Alexander Hamilton. Jacquie Dorrance, Penny Gunning, Erin Gogolak and Carrie Hulburd co-chaired the memorable evening.

Dinner with Kennedy ~ An Evening In Camelot

The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute honored President John F. Kennedy at the Annual History Dinner, Friday, November 9, 2018 at the Phoenician Resort.

Dinner with Kennedy ~ An Evening In Camelot featured Ambassador Caroline Kennedy with a fireside chat leader by Ambassador Barbara Barrett.

Dinner with Lincoln

The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute celebrated President Abraham Lincoln at the Annual History Dinner, Friday, November 10, 2017 at the Arizona Biltmore.

Dinner with Lincoln featured Pulitzer Prize Winner and Presidential Historian, Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of the Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.

Dinner with Jefferson: An Evening at Monticello

Friday, October 14, 2016, Founding Father Thomas Jefferson was honored through the work of Pulitzer Prize winner and Presidential Historian Jon Meacham. Guests at the Arizona Biltmore were transported to Jefferson's Monticello estate and dined on a carefully selected menu inspired by Jefferson's travels.

Dinner with Churchill

An elegant crowd assembled at the Camelback Inn on Saturday, October 17, 2015, where the East Room of the White House was re-created. Guests dined on the same menu served to Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt on December 25, 1941. Winston Churchill scholar Cita Stelzer was the featured speaker.

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