WASHINGTON – The National Archives Foundation and William G. McGowan Charitable Fund have launched a new McGowan Forum on Ethics in Leadership series, kicking off with an engaging event on March 29.

The inaugural McGowan Forum on Ethics in Leadership explored how misinformation, especially in the phenomenon of “fake news”, affects democracy, and the ethical responsibilities of journalists, government, and business. Moderated by Margaret Sullivan, The Washington Post, panelists included Jay Cost, The Weekly Standard; Amy Hollyfield, deputy managing editor for politics and features for the Tampa Bay Times; Nicholas Lemann, Joseph Pulitzer II and Edith Pulitzer Moore Professor of Journalism at Columbia University; and Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and the Craig Newmark Foundation. Archived video is available at: http://engage.archivesfoundation.org/inaugural-mcgowan-forum-ethics-leadership-journalism.

“We are proud that the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund has left an indelible mark on the National Archives,” said Patrick M. Madden, executive director of the Foundation. “Their generosity has provided support for free educational programming to diverse audiences from across the nation and the world, and helped the Archives share with the more than 1 million annual visitors from around the world the historical significance and modern relevance of the records of our democracy.”

“Exploring what it means to participate ethically in business and in society was an integral part of Bill McGowan’s life and work,” said Diana Spencer, Executive Director of the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund and National Archives Foundation Board Member. “We are excited to launch this new series of McGowan Forums with the National Archives Foundation.”

Through the support of the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, the National Archives and the Foundation present nearly 100 programs each year online and in the 290-seat William G. McGowan Theater. Past McGowan Forum series on Women in Leadership, and Communications, have enjoyed participation and attendance from a wide variety of high­profile individuals, including U.S. Chief Technology Officer Megan Smith, Obama Administration Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, famed The New Yorker political cartoonist David Sipress, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The McGowan Theater and its public programming are made possible in part by the Foundation for the National Archives through the support of the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund.

The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at: archivesfoundation.org.

The National Archives is an independent federal agency that serves American democracy by safeguarding and preserving the records of our Government, so people can discover, use, and learn from this documentary heritage. The National Archives ensures continuing access to the essential documentation of the rights of American citizens and the actions of their government. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The National Archives carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries, and on the Internet at: archives.gov.

The National Archives Museum, created by the National Archives in partnership with the National Archives Foundation, has transformed the visitor experience and includes the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, the David M. Rubenstein Gallery and its Records of Rights permanent exhibition, the award-winning Public Vaults permanent gallery, the William G. McGowan Theater, the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery for special exhibits, the Boeing Learning Center, the Digital Vaults online exhibit, and the DocsTeach website.