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re: Students' statements on what attending the Hawking lecture would
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COLLECTION:
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First Lady's Office
Christine Macy
OA/Box Number: 17203
FOLDER TITLE:
Millennium Council Projects
2013-0936-S
re1325
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HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
REMARKS FOR WHITE HOUSE MILLENNIUM EVENING
LECTURE BY STEPHEN HAWKING
EAST ROOM
MARCH 6, 1998
I am honored to join the President in welcoming you to the East room of the White House
for our second Millennium Evening. I'd like to begin by thanking everyone who has made this
event possible, especially our honored speaker, Professor Stephen Hawking; Ellen Lovell,
director of the White House Millennium Council; the National Endowment for the Humanities
and all the state humanities councils; and Sun Microsystems, which is providing the technology
to simultaneously bring this lecture to the world -- and preserve it for posterity. A special
welcome to Americans across the country who are joining us via cybercast and satellite -- some
of whom will be posing questions to Professor Hawking after his remarks.
I also want to mention that among our special guests tonight are students from area
colleges and universities who we invited not only because we thought they would be inspired by
tonight's lecture, but also to remind all of us of the critical importance of keeping our future
leaders on the cutting edge of science, math and technology -- the tools they need to unlock the
extraordinary possibilities of the future.
Tonight's lecture by Stephen Hawking continues a series of gatherings with scholars,
scientists, and creative individuals here at the White House that will commemorate and celebrate
America's millennium. Over the next three years, we hope to inspire all Americans to come
together to mark this milestone in our history by "honoring the past and imagining the future."
It's an exciting opportunity for conversation and collaboration -- a time to take stock of who we
are and who we want to be -- and what we want to carry into the next century, not only as
individuals and families, but as local communities and as a nation.
A few weeks ago, we inaugurated this Millennium lecture series with a talk about
America's founding ideals of freedom and democracy by one of our nation's leading American
historians, Professor Bernard Bailyn from Harvard University. (That was also the first cybercast
ever from the White House -- another historic moment).
Tonight, we leap beyond traditional boundaries of historical time and place, and hear
from a man who has pushed back the frontiers of science, and revolutionized our understanding
of the universe in which we live. Almost 25 years ago, Stephen Hawking was formally inducted
into the Royal Academy in London -- one of the most ancient scholarly organizations in the
world. As part of that ceremony, he signed his name in a book that bore the signature of Isaac
Newton on one of its earliest pages. Stephen Hawking even then, was a legendary figure -- and
has since come to viewed, along with Newton and Einstein, as one of the most brilliant
physicists of our time.
Even as a young student, Stephen Hawking was drawn to science and the study of
physics. "I always wanted to know how everything worked," he once said. He chose the same
undergraduate college as my husband -- University College, Oxford University -- and it was here
that his extraordinary mind for math and the sciences was first recognized. (It should hearten
some of the students here tonight that Hawking's "casual study habits" put him on the borerline
between first and second class honors -- necessitating an oral exam. It didn't take long for the
examiners to realize that they were talking to someone far more clever than most of them.)
He entered Cambridge University to study cosmology -- and in particular, the area of
pysics which describes the evolution of the universe. Since then, he has applied his prodigious
talents to expanding our understanding of the laws of the cosmos, and seeking answers to such
fundamental questions as "where did the universe come from?" and "can we predict the future?"
Professor Hawking -- who has received numerous prizes and honors including the commander of
the British empower in 1982 and twelve honorary degrees -- is a Fellow of the Royal Society and
a Member of the U.s. National Academy of Sciences. He's currently the Lucasian Professor of
Mathematics at Cambridge University -- a post held, once again, by fellow explorer Sir Isaac
Newton.
Luckily for many of us, in addition to his many scholarly works, Professor Hawking has
written a book aimed at a "lay" audience in the hopes of educating the general public about his
"big bang" theory of the beginning of time; the notion of an expanding universe, and the
existence of "black holes." That A Brief History of Time has become the best selling science
book ever -- 9 million copies around the world, and translated into 300 languages -- testifies to
the success of his mission. And I must admit, I've been heartened by some of what I read in that
book. "Present evidence suggests," he writes, that "even if the universe is going to recollapse, it
won't do so for at least another ten thousand million years." That certainly gives us some time to
get things right.
Through his investigations of the laws of science, Stephen Hawking has surely helped
millions of people here and around the gobe to "imagine" the past and even the possible future of
our vast universe. Yet it's his inner courage, in the face of great physical odds -- that is perhaps
the even greater inspiration.
As many of you know, Professor Hawking has what we now know as "Lou Gerig's
Disease," a degenerative nerve disease that has deprived him of almost all
He will speak to
us tonight, and later answer questions from the audience, through
He exemplifies the eduring spirit of imagination that sees no boundaries -- only
possibilities.
Professor Hawking has said: "My goal is simple. It is complete understanding of the
Universe." Tonight, we honor his life of study and accomplishment; his extraordinary
imagination; his relentless questionings; his sense of humor, and his humanity. With his refusal
to allow the study of the universe to remain soley the property of physicists like himself,
Professor Hawking is ensuring that all of us can, in some measure, participate in the wonder and
the awe of the cosmos.
It is a true honor and pleasure to introduce to you tonight Professor Stephen Hawking,
who will speak to us about "Imagination and Change: Science in the Next Millennium."
STEPHEN HAWKINGS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF TIME
Greetings/welcome to second White House Millenium Evening.
We've organizes these meetings
thank you to Ellen, sponsors;
honor the past; imagine the future;
Stphen Hawking: \ victim of LAS -- motor neuron disease; or
Louuu Gehrig's disease; Wife Jane; children Robert, Lucy, and
Timmy; helped me to lead fairly normal life and successfl career;
"So my disability has not bee an serious handicap;
in 1985: had a tracheostomy which removed ability to speak; but
thanks to communications program called Living Center, donated by
Walt Woltosz, Words plus inc. of sunnyvale, California; can write
books and papers; speak to people using speech synthesizer;
some of questions: where did the universe come from? how and why
did it begin? will it come to an end, and if so, how? origins and
fate of the universe;
Carl Sagan says only children don't know enough not to ask the
important questions.
in spring of '74 -- two years before Viking spacecraft landed on
Mars; was in England; saw ancient rite of investitute of new
fellows in the Royal Academy; one of most ancient scholarly
organizations on planet; saw someone in wheelchair; signing his
name in a book that bore on its earliest pages the signatirue of
Isaac Newton; Stephen Hawking "was a legaend even then."
now Lucasian Professor of Math at Cambridge University (?) a post
once held by Newton -- and later by PAM Dirac, -- two celebrated
explorers of the very large and very small;
this is Hawkins first book for law audience; frontiers of physics;
atronomy, cosmoloy and courage;
Hawkings has embarked on a quest;
starts with Aristotle in 340 BC; one of first to argue world was
round; 1514: nicholas Copernicus: sun was stationary and wearh and
plants moved in orbits around the sun; followed by Kepler and
Galileo; observed through telescope; sir Isaac Newton in 1687:
how bodies move in space and time; developed complicated math to
anaylze motions; also law of universal gravitation; 1929: Edwin
Hubble; wherever you look distant galaxies are moving rapidly away
from us; universe is expanding; was a time, perhaps about ten or
twenty thousand million years ago, when everything in same place
and density was infitie; big bang theory; one may say that time
had a beginning at the big bank, in the sense that earlier times
would not be definee;
HAWKING
ific research that, in his
ble. and his wide circle of friends includes a num-
Once, when on a trip to India, Hatfield was as-
begins at conception. A
ber of legislators and government officials, among
sured by Mother Teresa of Calcutta that in strug-
derally funded family-
them Senator John C. Stennis of Mississippi, a no-
gling against the abysmal poverty around her, the
nator himself favors pro-
Lord had not called her to be successful, only to be
to save the mother's life,
torious hawk whose views are diametrically op-
faithful. Hatfield has said: "I'm not Mother Teresa,
orts he has preferred to
posed to his own. In his rare free moments the
but I take a pragmatic view and can recall that to
he individual states. His
senator gardens, studies theology and philosophy,
my own role." On November 6, 1984 he was elected
ent to the Constitution,
or reads political biographies and novels. Married
to a fourth term in the Senate, defeating the Demo-
ed the states to outlaw or
since July 8, 1958, Hatfield and his wife, the former
cratic challenger, Oregon State Senator Margie
Hendricksen.
ns, was rejected by the
Antoinette Marie Kuzmanich, a real estate broker
I vote.
and the author of several cookbooks, have four
References: Christian Sci Mon B p1+ Je 17 '82
ning for a fourth term in
children: Elizabeth, Mark Odom Jr., Theresa, and
por; Christianity Today p18+ o 22 '82 por; N Y
under fire when syndi-
Charles Vincent. Senator Hatfield has lectured ex-
Times B p10 Ap 1 '82 por, IV p4 S 30 '84;
erson disclosed that Mrs.
tensively, and he has written many articles and
Newsweek 78:21 Il 19 '71, 88:75 o 25 '76, 104:43
1,000 from the Greek en-
several books, among them Conflict and
Ag 20 '84 por; Time 94:60 S 19 '69;
S, the founder and chair-
Conscience (Word, Inc., 1971) and Between a Rock
Contemporary Authors vols 77-80 (1979); Douth,
"ipeline Corporation, of
George. Leaders in Profile (1975); Eels, Robert
:line project Senator Hat-
and a Hard Place (Word, Inc., 1976), about his
and Nyberg, Bartell. Lonely Walk (1979); Who's
pporter. Tsakos and the
evangelical faith and its relationship to his political
Who in America, 1984-85; Who's Who in
the sum was a payment
life.
American Politics, 1983-84
:S; a real estate agent, she
or a residence and office
given Mrs. Tsakos advice
I had counseled the cou-
of the physics of the hypothetical apertures in the
nents in Europe and the
fabric of space-time known as black holes. Those
the senator had written
calculations have advanced the prospect of a uni-
eline proposal and had
fied field theory reconciling the varying laws of
ons with Secretary of En-
general relativity, quantum mechanics, and classi-
d Senator James A. Mc-
cal thermodynamics in its description of how our
16 Senate Committee on
universe began and how it works. Hawking's abili-
sources, among others,
is given Mrs. Hatfield as
ty to soar creatively in cosmological thought has
it to the senator for using
been abetted by a severe physical disability: since
'sakos' project. That view
1963 he has been afflicted with the slow, wasting
: employees of Tsakos
neuromuscular disorder popularly known as Lou
Hatfield had rendered
Gehrig's disease, for which there is no known cure.
the senator's financial-
The oldest of four children of Frank Hawking,
ealed several large, out-
M.D., a prominent research biologist, Stephen Wil-
ields. Hatfield freely ac-
liam Hawking was born on January 8, 1942 in Ox-
t of the pipeline but
ford, England. He grew up in London, where his
just to assume a connec-
father headed the division of parasitology at the
nd that of his wife.
National Institute for Medical Research, and in the
nd his wife told a press
London suburb of St. Albins, where he was a good
ctually received a total of
but not outstanding student at St. Albins School. "I
that they were donating
always wanted to know how everything worked,"
While admitting that he:
he told Dennis Overbye in an interview for a pro-
at" by not asking his wife
file in Omni (February 1979). "I would take things
n Tsakos once he himself
apart to see how they worked, but they didn't often
ipeline proposal, he de-
go back together."
idded that as a public of-
Hawking, Stephen W(illiam)
Hawking was drawn to science from his earliest
:ven the appearance of
years, but he decided not to follow his father into
Department launched an
Jan. 8, 1942- British physicist. Address: h. 5 West
medicine and biology because he felt that "the bio-
d Senator Hatfield also
Rd., Cambridge, England.
logical subjects were too inexact, too descriptive,"
n by the Senate Ethics
as he explained to Overbye. "It is only with molec-
ttee found insufficient
Stephen W. Hawking, the Lucasian professor of
ular biology that the basic interactions have come
er investigation into the
mathematics at Cambridge University, is widely
to be studied." In 1959-60, his first year at Universi-
ict but reserved the right
regarded as the most brilliant theoretical physicist
ty College, Oxford University, he read mathemat-
Justice Department were
since Albert Einstein. Hawking is, in his own
ics, and he took up physics the following year. "He
evidence against him.
words, "primarily interested in gravity-on all
did very little work, really, because anything that
ome six-footer with blue
scales," from the galactic vistas of Einstein's gener-
was do-able he could do," Robert Berman, his
hair, Mark Hatfield has
al theory of relativity, where stars live and die with
physics tutor, recalled, as quoted by Michael Har-
goodness as palpable as
predictability, to the subatomic world of quantum
wood in the New York Times Magazine (January
ouise Sweeney. He is, by
mechanics, where elementary particles behave un-
23, 1983). "It was only necessary for him to know
unpretentious and amia-
expectedly. He is best known for his calculations
that something could be done, and he could do ft
1984 CURRENT BIOGRAPHY YEARBOOK
155
m the
Me ence such d
a find mind a few Compart Was of
HAWKING
without looking to see how other people did it.
of Einstein's predictions came the concept now
gularity theorem of Hawki
He didn't have very many [books], and he didn't
known as the black hole, a term coined by the
Included in that theorem
take notes. Of course, his mind was completely dif-
Princeton cosmologist John A. Wheeler to denote
while singularities canno
ferent from all of his contemporaries', and he did,
a cosmological mystery that has fascinated astro-
they violate the manifold
I think, positively make an effort to come down to
physicists for decades. As explained by Karl
black holes in which they
their level and, you know, be one of the boys.
Schwartzschild, Robert J. Oppenheimer, and oth-
their surface boundarie
He coxed the college second eight, and he was very
ers, one of the ways a black hole might be created
which would be calculabl
popular." Hawking's independent ways and casual
is by the gravitational collapse of a star of sufficient
"The first hint that the
study habits resulted In a final examination score
mass (ten times that of our sun). When the dying
between black holes
that put him on the borderline between first and
star exhausts its thermonuclear fuel, it succumbs to
Hawking recounted in h
second class honors, necessitating, as Berman re-
the pressure of its own gravity and collapses in-
Mechanics of Black Hole:
counted, an oral exam. "And of course the examin-
ward, shrinking to a point of such density that not
ary 1977 Scientific Am
ers then were intelligent enough to realize they
even light can escape to infinity. The star is obliter-
mathematical discovery
were talking to someone far cleverer than most of
ated from the observable universe, and in its place
area of the event horizon
themselves."
is left a ghostlike pocket of gravity sucking any ob-
hole, has the property
Before receiving his B.A. degree at Oxford, in
ject within its "event horizon" toward its vortex,
when additional matter
1962, Hawking considered staying on at the univer-
known as a "singularity," a particle of infinite den-
black hole." Moreover, }
sity for graduate work in astronomy, but the obser-
sity, zero volume, and infinite gravitational field.
holes merge, the resulting
vatory there was equipped only for the observation
In such a particle, space is "bent" and time as we
horizon area greater than
of sunspots, "and, anyway," as he explained to
know it ends. "Because all known laws of physics
This suggested an analog
Dennis Overbye in the Omni interview, he "was al-
are formulated on a classical space-time back-
py-a measure of the diso
ways more interested in theory than in
ground, they will all break at a singularity," Hawk-
modynamics, the secon
observation." He decided he had "better go to
ing has pointed out. "This is a great crisis for
entropy always increases
Cambridge, where they did have work on theoreti-
physics because it means one cannot predict the fu-
The analogy between
cal astronomy" and cosmology, which applies cre-
ture. One does not know what will come out of a
holes and the laws of thei
ative thinking as well as scientific knowledge to the
singularity." Most astrophysicists assumed that sin-
ed by Hawking, James N
study of the character of the universe. Hawking
gularities would prove to be only mathematical ar-
Carter when they related
found cosmology "exciting, because it really did
tifacts, because, according to Newtonian
black hole to a change
seem to involve the big question: Where did the
principles, such a contraction to infinite density
event horizon, a tempe
universe come from?"
could not happen in the real universe. In a paper
keeping with the first
No sooner had Hawking installed himself under
he published in 1965, however, Penrose demon-
which says that a small (
the tutelage of the cosmologist Dennis W. Sciama
strated that, for a singularity to occur, the gravita-
system is accompanied b:
at Cambridge University than he was struck by
tional collapse of a star need not proceed in a
the energy of the system.
what he calls "that terrible thing"-amyotrophic
smooth, symmetrical manner and could thus actu-
standing of the entropy
lateral sclerosis, an incurable deterioration of the
ally occur if certain conditions were met in the
Carter, and others, follov
motor neurons of the spinal cord, medulla, and cor-
physical universe.
by Jacob D. Bekenstein
tex. It disables skeletal muscles, affecting speech,
In effect, Penrose proved that, if general relativ-
"no-hair" theorem, so C
swallowing, limbs, and shoulders and usually end-
ity is correct, space-time can reach a singularity.
that a black hole preser
ing in fatal atrophy of the chest muscles. On the
The following year, Hawking adapted the same
collapse entity other that
bright side, if it may be called that, it is, according
method to show, inversely, that "time has a
angular momentum, and
to its victims, painless, and, fortunately for a think-
beginning," that our universe need not be perfectly
parent "fatal flaw" in B.
er such as Hawking, it does not affect the brain or
smooth in its evolution to have come out of a singu-
Hawking explained in h
the senses.
larity. Taking into account the theory of general
ticle, was "that if a black
Depressed by the prospect of progressive physi-
relativity and the observable asymmetry of our
that is proportional to the
cal atrophy and, perhaps, early death, he made lit-
universe, he demonstrated that one could run the
it ought to have a finite
tle progress in research during his first two years
cosmic clock backward to the singularity in which
be proportional to its SI
at Cambridge. Then the disease began to stabilize,
the "Big Bang" occurred, sixteen or seventeen bil-
would imply that a black
and it appeared that he would survive, albeit dis-
lion years ago. "The big question,' he later ex-
um with thermal radial
abled. With the encouragement of Sciama, he sum-
plained, was, Was there a beginning or not? Roger
other than zero." Accor
moned his natural buoyancy and returned to work
Penrose and I discovered that, if general relativity
"no such equilibrium is
on his Ph.D. degree. The real "turning point," in his
is correct, there did have to be a beginning."
hole would absorb any
view, was his marriage to Jane Wilde, a student of
Hawking's theorem was first argued in the last
on it but by definition
languages, in 1965. It made me determined to
chapter of his "Properties of the Expanding
anything in return."
live," he recalled, as quoted by John Boslough in
Universe," the thesis for his Ph.D. degree, which
Hawking resolved th.
Science '81 (November 1981), "and it was about
he received in 1966. Remaining at Cambridge as a
large black holes, whe
that time that I began making professional
fellow of Gonville and Caius College, as a member
was assumed to apply.
progress."
of the graduate staff of the Institute of Theoretical
study of minuscule blaci
Hawking made that initial progress in collabora-
Astronomy, and as a member of the department of
is that of subatomic part
tion with his friend and Cambridge colleague Rog-
applied mathematics. he, together with Penrose,
tum mechanics, a theory
er Penrose. He and Penrose applied a new,
refined his mathematical techniques and further
cept because of its intri
intricate mathematical method of their own devis-
developed his predictions about singularities, the
theory supposes that spa.
ing to the general theory of relativity, developed by
space-time continuum, and the fate of matter in the
full, teeming with pai:
Albert Einstein to explain how gravity affects the
path of that continuum. "This work," he later re-
particles that are foreve!
behavior of the universe and its large systems. Out
counted, "culminated in a general all-purpose sin-
ing each other out. Usir.
156
CURRENT BIOGRAPHY YEARBOOK 1984
HAWKING
came the concept now
gularity theorem of Hawking and Penrose in 1970."
ing reasoned that there could be black holes other
e, a term coined by the
Included in that theorem was the prediction that
than those formed in the death throes of stars and
nn A. Wheeler to denote
while singularities cannot be observed, because
that millions of such holes, the size of subatomic
hat has fascinated astro-
they violate the manifold of space and time, the
protons, could have been thrust into existence by
As explained by Karl
black holes in which they occur can be detected by
the force of the primordial Big Bang.
Oppenheimer, and oth-
their surface boundaries, the event horizons,
Carrying quantum mechanics over into his in-
ck hole might be created
which would be calculable as wave-fronts of light.
vestigation of what the behavior of matter in the vl-
apse of a star of sufficient
"The first hint that there might be a connection
cinity of a black hole would be, Hawking found, to
ur sun). When the dying
between black holes and thermodynamics,"
his great surprise, and consternation, that "the
iclear fuel, it succumbs to
Hawking recounted in his paper "The Quantum
black hole seemed to emit particles at a steady
gravity and collapses in-
Mechanics of Black Holes," published in the Janu-
rate." At first reluctant to believe his own finding,
t of such density that not
ary 1977 Scientific American, "came with the
he finally became convinced that "it was a real
finity. The star is obliter-
mathematical discovery in 1970 that the surface
physical process" because "the outgoing particles
universe, and in its place
area of the event horizon, the boundary of a black
have a spectrum that is precisely thermal." While
of gravity sucking any ob-
hole, has the property that it always increases
large black holes emit particles slowly, he predict-
rizon" toward its vortex,
when additional matter or radiation falls into the
ed, mini-holes, emitting at a much higher tempera-
a particle of infinite den-
black hole." Moreover, he went on, if two black
ture, eventually explode, becoming "white" holes
finite gravitational field.
holes merge, the resulting black hole has an event
from which energy and particles gush.
is "bent" and time as we
horizon area greater than the sum of those of both.
The prediction that "the black hole creates and
Il known laws of physics
This suggested an analogy to the concept of entro-
emits particles just as if it were an ordinary hot
issical space-time back-
py-a measure of the disorder of a system-in ther-
body with a temperature that is proportional to the
at a singularity," Hawk-
modynamics, the second law of which is that
surface gravity and inversely proportional to the
his is a great crisis for
entropy always increases with time.
mass" made fully consistent Bekenstein's sugges-
one cannot predict the fu-
The analogy between the properties of black
tion that a black hole had a finite entropy, because
what will come out of a
holes and the laws of thermodynamics was extend-
the prediction implied that a black hole could be
ysicists assumed that sin-
ed by Hawking, James M. Burdeen, and Brandon
in thermal equilibrium at some finite temperature
be only mathematical ar-
Carter when they related the change in mass of a
other than zero. Hawking's mini-black hole calcu-
rding to Newtonian
black hole to a change in the area of the hole's
lations also provided an answer to the puzzle of the
ction to infinite density
event horizon, a temperature-proportionality in
"missing mass" necessary to close the universe. Ac-
eal universe. In a paper
keeping with the first law of thermodynamics,
cording to those calculations, the unpredictability
wever, Penrose demon-
which says that a small change in the entropy of a
of the particles at the frontier of a black hole was
ity to occur, the gravita-
system is accompanied by a proportional change in
even greater than that which was usually associat-
need not proceed in a
the energy of the system. Seeking a clearer under-
ed with quantum mechanics. Usually, either the
ner and could thus actu-
standing of the entropy of a black hole, Hawking,
position or the velocity of particles was unpredict-
litions were met in the
Carter, and others, following a suggestion put forth
able. In this instance, neither one was predictable.
by Jacob D. Bekenstein in 1972, arrived at the
As Hawking observed in the Scientific American,
d that, if general relativ-
"no-hair" theorem, so called because it predicts
"It therefore seems that Einstein was doubly wrong
can reach a singularity.
that a black hole preserves no details of its pre-
when he said, 'God does not play dice.' Consider-
king adapted the same
collapse entity other than the parameters of mass,
ation of particle emission from black holes would
sely, that "time has a
angular momentum, and electric charge. The ap-
seem to suggest that God not only plays dice but
rse need not be perfectly
parent "fatal flaw" in Bekenstein's suggestion, as
also sometimes throws them where they cannot be
have come out of a singu-
Hawking explained in his Scientific American ar-
seen."
it the theory of general
ticle, was "that if a black hole has a finite entropy
Hawking presented his mathematical evidence
able asymmetry of our
that is proportional to the area of its event horizon,
that a black hole could emit thermally in the paper
I that one could run the
it ought to have a finite temperature, which would
"Black Hole Explosions?," delivered at an Oxford
the singularity in which
be proportional to its surface gravity," and "this
University symposium in February 1974. Most of
ixteen or seventeen bil-
would imply that a black hole could be in equilibri-
his startled colleagues at first rejected the evi-
question," he later ex-
um with thermal radiation at some temperature
dence. Even after the evidence was confirmed by
beginning or not? Roger
other than zero." According to classical concepts,
others using various different approaches, it con-
that, if general relativity
"no such equilibrium is possible because the black
tinued to represent perhaps the greatest challenge
to be a beginning."
hole would absorb any thermal radiation that fell
ever presented to theoretical physics. In unrecon-
S first argued in the last
on it but by definition would not be able to emit
structed general relativity theory, black holes could
ies of the Expanding
anything in return."
only get larger and could not emit anything. But,
is Ph.D. degree, which
Hawking resolved the paradox encountered in
from the point of view of quantum mechanics,
ining at Cambridge as a
large black holes, where only general relativity
black holes could literally evaporate and explode,
us College, as a member
was assumed to apply, only after turning to the
causing entropic disorder. The "Hawking
Institute of Theoretical
study of minuscule black holes, the scale of which
radiation," as emissions from black holes came to
er of the department of
is that of subatomic particles, the domain of quan-
be known, demonstrated dramatically that black
together with Penrose,
tum mechanics, a theory Einstein did not fully ac-
holes did not exist apart from the rest of the uni-
techniques and further
cept because of its intrinsic uncertainty. Quantum
verse but, despite severance from the space-time
about singularities, the
theory supposes that space is not empty but, rather,
continuum, affected it in important ways. Addi-
I the fate of matter in the
full, teeming with pairs of particles and anti-
tionally, for cosmologists, the possibility that black
This. work," he later re-
particles that are forever materializing and cancel-
holes emit matter strengthened their link to the Big
general all-purpose sin-
ing each other out. Using quantum theory, Hawk-
Bang theory of the origin of the universe.
1984 CURRENT BIOGRAPHY YEARBOOK
157
HAWKING
Named a research assistant in the department of
thinking instead. I choose to concentrate on prob-
applied mathematics and theoretical physics at
lems that can be given a geometrical, diagrammatic
Cambridge in 1973, Hawking was promoted to pro-
interpretation. I can manage equations so long as
fessor of gravitational physics in 1977. Because of
they don't involve too many terms.
Often I
his physical handicaps he was exempted from ar-
work in collaboration with someone else, and that
duous lecturing and teaching duties and was thus
is a great help, because they can do all the
given the freedom to concentrate singlemindedly
equations."
on his research. The most far-reaching result of
Hawking's black hole research has been its contri-
Don Page, one of the favored few of Hawking's
bution to the advancement of the nascent theory of
protégés (he lived with the Hawking family during
"supergravity," the most likely unifier of the quan-
three years of post-doctoral work at Cambridge),
tum and general relativity theories. In the lecture
explained to Harwood that the necessity of work-
Hawking gave on the occasion of his inauguration
ing in his head forces Hawking to "get really to the
as Lucasian professor of mathematics at Cam-
heart of the matter and try to eliminate inessential
bridge on April 29, 1980, he pointed out that a uni-
details." This gives his papers "a great deal of ele-
fied field theory would have to reconcile four kinds
gance and beauty, because they really speak of the
of interaction known to physics: "In order of
essential things, although sometimes it does have
strength they are the strong nuclear force, which
the unfortunate aspect that those of us who don't
works only at the atomic level; electromagnetism;
understand all the details may find some connect-
the weak nuclear force, which controls radioactive
ing arguments missing." Hawking's necessity is
decay: and finally, the weakest by far, gravity,
theoretical physics' gain, because the sine qua non
which interacts with everything.
At the mo-
of the expansion of the frontiers of the science is
ment the only candidate to unify all four forces is
not precise calculation but great organizational
supergravity, which relates particles with vastly
ideas from which such calculation can issue.
different characteristics through a theory called su-
persymmetry.
If the theory survives testing, it
Hawking comes up with the overview principles
Hersh, Seymour 0
will probably be some years before we develop
and leaves the working-out of technical details and
computational methods that will enable us to make
the comparison with practical experimentation to
Apr. 8, 1937- Investig
predictions and before we can account for the ini-
his collaborators. He arrives at new ideas by an in-
Address: b. 1236 Nati
tial conditions of the universe as well as local phys-
tuitive leap and then tries to justify it by filling in
Washington, D.C. 200
ical laws."
the intermediate steps. If the intermediate steps do
NW. Washington, D.
With G. R. R. Ellis, Hawking wrote The Large
not work, he gives the idea up.
Scale Structure of Space-Time, published by
Hawking and his wife, Jane, have two sons, Tim-
During the 1960s and
Cambridge University Press in 1973, and he collab-
othy and Robert, and a daughter, Lucy. The Hawk-
sures in the press abo
orated in the editing of the Cambridge University
ings live on the ground floor of a Victorian mansion
ities at home and P
Press volumes General Relativity: An Einstein
owned by Cambridge University, a ten-minute
investigative reporter
Centenary Survey (with Werner W. Israel, 1979)
Seymour Hersh was
wheelchair ride from Hawking's office. "I think
and Superspace and Supergravity (with M. Rocek,
master of the govern
Stephen has achieved an important ambition-to
on the massacre at My
1981), the proceedings of the 1980 Nuffield Work-
extend the bounds of human knowledge by just
shop at Cambridge. He is a member of the presti-
ty, which was reinfor
one step, Mrs. Hawking said when Dennis Over-
CIA domestic spying
gious Royal Society of London, and his many
bye interviewed her for the Omni article. "Not
Kissinger's aides, am
honors include the Albert Einstein Award, the
many of us are in a position to do it.
He hasn't
charge that Hersh use
Maxwell Medal, and several honorary degrees.
Stephen W. Hawking is slight, weighing no more
wasted any of his talents at all. In fact, he's intensi-
tion, his extensive in:
fied them." Hawking himself told Overbye that he
award-winning article
than 120 pounds, and boyish looking, except for the
is "happier now" than he was before the onset of
four controversial bo
wrinkles around his eyes. In his waking hours he
brief excursion into
is confined to a motorized wheelchair, the opera-
his illness: "I was very bored with life. I drank a
Senator Eugene 1. Mc
tion of which is one of the few-things he can do
fair bit, I guess; 1 didn't do any work
When
ing the New Ham|.
physically. He controls the movement of the
one's expectations are reduced to zero, one really
When asked what dri
wheelchair by the pressure of his left hand, the
appreciates everything that one does have." In his
nalistic inquiries, he
only limb that retains a vestige of power. Unable
Science '81 article, John Boslough described his
to know the truth."
to hold a book, he reads with the aid of an automat-
first encounter with Hawking as "shocking." "His
Seymour Myron H
ic page-turner. While he can use a computer espe-
condition seems far worse than one expected,"
8, 1937 in Chicago, Ill
cially adapted for him, he cannot write, and his
Boslough wrote. "But after a short time with this
(Margolis) Hersh,
indistinct speech is understandable only to those
gentle, witty man, one forgets the illness." Hawking
childhood" while gro
who know him well, who interpret for visitors. His
told Boslough: "My goal is simple. It is complete
and older sisters, als
writing is done in his head and dictated to a secre-
Side. His father ran
understanding of the universe."
tary.
Seymour sometimes
Blessed with a superior memory, Hawking uses
prince," to use his WO)
his brain as a mental blackboard. "I tend to avoid
References: N Y Times Mag p16+ I 23 '83 pors;
wanted to be." After
equations as much as possible," he told Michael
Omni 1:44+ F '79 por; Science '81 2:66+ N '81
Chicago for three-ano
Harwood in the New York Times Magazine inter-
pors; Boslough, John. Stephen Hawking's
B.A. degree in history
view. "I simply can't manage very complicated
Universe (1984); McGraw-Hill Modern Scientists
university's law scho
equations, so I have developed geometrical ways of
and Engineers (1980); Who's Who, 1984-85
cause of poor grades.
158
CURRENT BIOGRAPHY YEARBOOK 1984
TPEDITOR. WPD
Page 1
Talking Points for Mrs. Clinton
Millennium Meeting with Women's Magazine Editors
3/17/98
We stand at the convergence of a new century and the next millennium -- a milestone in
human history. As Americans and people all over the globe anticipate the new
millennium, we have the great opportunity to reflect on our past, assess our present, and
envision our future.
The millennium gives us a framework to explore our history, culture and discoveries, and
affirm the values we want to carry with us into the future.
There are uniquely American ways to mark this milestone. People want to make
meaning of the millennium -- to have more than a big New Year's party. That is why we
created the White House Millennium Council last summer, to set some themes, offer
ideas, engage the federal agencies and invite all Americans to participate.
The overall theme of the White House millennium programs is "Honor the past, imagine
the future." The President invited Americans to "give gifts to the future," to leave behind
something meaningful to enrich future generations. Much of the White House
millennium efforts will highlight the creativity and inventiveness of the American people
through our art, ideas and scientific discoveries.
The 20th Century in America has seen an explosion of creativity and technology.
Periodicals, radio and television have come of age in the latter half of this century. These
media have spread ideas and exported our values and culture to the world. Magazines
have a special role to play in bringing people some common experiences of this
millennium milestone.
The year 2000 also coincides with some important American anniversaries: the 200th
anniversary of the White House; the 200th anniversary of the first meeting of Congress in
the new Capitol, and the bicentennial of the Library of Congress. We believe that this is a
time to learn; it is also an opportunity for civic engagement and to celebrate the enduring
strength of our democracy.
To help us honor the past and imagine the future, we are beginning a series of Millennium
Evenings at the White House, inviting historians, other scholars, scientists, and creative
individuals from many fields to share their insights. 1 These presentations are being
broadcast via satellite all over the nation where people can listen and have their own
discussions.
We began our Millennium Evenings on February 11 with a great American historian,
Professor Emeritus at Harvard University, Bernard Bailyn. The series continued on March
6, with renowned physicist, Stephen Hawking, Professor at Cambridge University,
discussing "Imagination and Change: Science in the Next Millennium."
TPEDITOR. WPD
Page 2
Last month's lecture by Bernard Bailyn was the first cybercast ever from the East Room
of the White House. The internet audience was invited to participate by sending
questions for the lecturer, some of which were responded to during the evening's
discussion. Both lectures were also broadcast via satellite and was downlinked to watch
sites. Thousands of people saw the Stephen Hawking lecture at 190 sites, and on
CSPAN. During the lecture we received two e-mails per second -- from all over the
world.
The White House itself is the oldest, continuous venue of significance for the arts in the
United States. On March 9 we presented the first in a series of Cultural Showcases at the
White House, to highlight unique American forms of art, to recognize both our masters
and our new talent. In this "In Performance at the White House" event to be broadcast by
WETA, the PBS station, we showcased four popular American dance forms that sprang
from our diversity and influenced the development of American dance.
We are working with graphic designers to develop a logo to give the millennium a
national visual identification. (We hope to have a design by late May.)
We are working with the federal agencies, which are coming up with imaginative ideas
within their own missions. For example, with the National Endowment for the
Humanities, we will launch a national program to record the stories of Americans of all
kinds at the end of the 20th century. A national oral history project, engaging young
people to interview their elders, would build on the NEH family history program to be
announced this spring, called "My History is America's History."
When we announced the White House effort, we also invited elected officials to create
programs and celebrations at the state and local levels. Many cities and towns are already
forming Year 2000 Committees: they are organizing in New York, Boston, Chicago,
Denver, Seattle, Little Rock, Cincinnati and other places. We will recognize the most
imaginative local projects with the designation of "Millennium Community."
The millennium is international. The President announced that the United States will
participate in Expo 2000, the World's Fair in Hannover, Germany. We are talking to
other countries -- Canada, the U.K., France, Italy, the Czech Republic, even Iceland --
about their programs. We are interested in hosting an international millennium meeting
here at the White House.
We also plan a few national initiatives that we think will engage many Americans in
saving our historical and cultural heritage. Our past is literally disintegrating in our
libraries, museums, archives, and at our historic sites and monuments. To imagine our
future, we must take what we value with us into the new millennium.
The President is proposing a modest fund -- $50 million in each of the next three fiscal
years -- to stimulate a national preservation effort to "Save America's Treasures."
TPEDITOR WPD
Page 3
The fund would be administered through the Department of Interior. Half would be
allocated for the most urgent preservation projects of regional and national significance,
identified by the federal agencies and institutions. Half would go to the states, through
the Divisions of Historic Preservation. (Each State Historic Preservation Officer is
appointed by the Governor, and the Divisions would consult with state museum, library,
arts and humanities experts to identify the state's most urgent preservation priorities.)
Some of the treasures we know need saving include:
The highest priority millennium project at the Smithsonian Institution, restoring
the Star Spangled Banner, the flag that flew over Fort McHenry and inspired
Francis Scott Key's poem;
The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which
must be re-encased within the next three years or be seriously at risk.
Thomas Edison's laboratory and house in New Jersey are in "dire" condition,
according to the National Park Service; the papers of the father of modern science
are in need of cataloguing and proper storage.
Even America's prehistoric sites are at risk; treasured places such as Mesa Verde
in Colorado and Chaco Canyon in New Mexico need preservation to stabilize
ancient structures.
Many of the films, photographs and historic recordings that document the 20th
century, held by federal agencies and other institutions, are deteriorating and must
be transferred to more stable media.
Some 80 million brittle books in libraries and other collections, need to be
preserved through repair and microfilming, according to the National Endowment
for the Humanities, including twelve million that are "unique and endangered."
In states and communities, there is a pending loss all over the country -- from
outdoor monuments that commemorate important events and people, to the papers
and journals that form our intellectual heritage.
There will also be a parallel private effort, to raise money from corporations, foundations
and individuals. The National Trust for Historic Preservation will create a high-level
advisory committee that will direct funds to the urgent preservation needs identified at the
national level and by the states. Recently, the Pew Charitable Trusts pledged $5 million
towards the restoration of the Star Spangled Banner.
We believe that this initiative will have broad appeal. It should be a bipartisan effort, to
come together on something that will be good for the country -- and will truly give a gift
to the future.
TPEDITOR WPD
Page 4
I would appreciate your reactions to any of the ideas I have described and your thoughts
on how together we can engage Americans in this meaningful time.
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statementsplusWP.doc
Page 1
Students' statements on what attending the Hawking lecture would mean to them
*denotes a student who may be in the East Room
*Darren Smith, American University
Sophomore, Communications, Law, Economics, and Government; Foreign Language and
Communications Media
Attending Professor Hawking's Millennium Series program would undoubtedly be a highlight
of my year. Just to be in the presence of a man who has achieved such a broad yet detailed
understanding of the universe in which we exist would be a tremendous honor to me. When I
read A Brief History of Time a few years ago, I was determined to become a physicist and
explore the topics Hawking discussed. Although my life has taken a different course into the
social sciences, I still sense a void that was left when I chose not to pursue study in the
physical sciences. I am still fascinated by scientific developments, and I try to satisfy my
curiosity at every opportunity. Whatever my field of study, I dream of making a contribution
to my field that is anywhere close in significance to the contributions Hawking has made to
his field.
*Joanne Cossitt, American University
Senior, International Communications and development
I chose to study communications so I might learn how people communicate, how they
understand each other. I marvel at the differences and the similarities which run through this
human race. But something like the work of Stephen Hawking is even more basic. While
putting all our hopes, fears, and ambitions in perspective, Hawking searches above and
beneath us to find the modern quintessence of astronomy. As a teaching assistant of
astronomy whose main field of study is not in the natural sciences, I have seen and can
sympathize with the frustration many intelligent people have with understanding science and
math. But astronomy, the most romantic of all sciences, stirs the emotions of even the
accountant or business major. Those who never cared about physics walk out of astronomy
with a distant look of wonder. Simply put, I want to understand. Who else but Stephen
Hawking could best explain?
Nawal Benmouna, American University
Graduate student, Physics
When I see that he, despite his disability, has never given up and has been able to receive
worldwide recognition for his achievements, I am inspired. Because of what he has done, I
realize that, with a lot of motivation and courage, I too could come closer to my dream of
achieving a deeper understanding of our world and possibly making a contribution. I may
never achieve worldwide recognition for discovering a wonderful theory that answers all of
our questions, but at least I will never give up and will keep trying. Seeing Prof. Stephen
Hawking in person at this wonderful event would truly be an inspiring experience for me. I
would also take pride in President Clinton making this kind of statement about the
importance of science to this nation, the world and the next century.
statementsplusWP.doc
Page 2
*Louisa Ikena, Catholic University of America
Junior, Chemistry and secondary education
I feel it is the opportunity of a lifetime to have a chance to meet the most famous living
physicist in the world. I have read parts of A Brief History of Time and Stephen Hawking's
Universe, and I am fascinated by his work. The number of obstacles he has had to overcome
to accomplish so much is amazing. My mother is handicapped and Stephen Hawking has
been an inspiration to my family and me. As a future high school chemistry teacher, I would
love to be able not only to tell my students about his work, but also to tell the story of when I
actually got to meet him face to face.
Richard Cecil, Catholic University of America
Sophomore, Physics
The sonnets and plays of Shakespeare affect me deeply with their beauty; but the level of
excitement in my physics courses, learning how the world works, is more robust than that
engendered by poetry. To me, there is power and elegance in physics along with beauty. I
certainly cannot write as well as Shakespeare, nor can I think as clearly as Dr. Hawking. But
in reading Shakespeare, I experience the beauty of literature; attending Dr. Hawking's lecture
will offer me a taste of the elegance, power and beauty of his science.
Janet Muckenthaler, Catholic University of America
Senior, Biology
In five years I hope to be teaching high school chemistry and math. I will be faced with the
unspoken challenge by the students: "Why should I want to learn this stuff?" Not only will it
be my job to teach the material, I will also need to inspire these students to learn. I believe
that hearing Professor Hawking would make an unsurpassable, indelible mark on my
memory, so that although the excitement of the moment undoubtedly lessens with time, that
inspiration will be carried with me years from now as I try to inspire future scientists.
*Stephanie Bowser, George Mason University
Senior, Physics
Participating in the Hawking Millennium Program would allow me to gain a greater
understanding of how the the present cosmological view has had an effect on the society in
which we live. Dr. Stephen Hawking has made great impressions on both the non-scientist
and the scientist. He has a special ability to make the size and complexity of our universe
something that we can all understand. Having the opportunity to attend this White House
lecture is a chance to experience discussions such as these first hand. As a physics major, not
only do I find this lecture of particular value and interest in my own field of study. but it will
also affect how I perceive physics in the coming millennium.
statementsplusWP.doc
Page 3
*Jalani Kanem Fox, Howard University
Senior, Physics and mathematics
It is important to me to be able to meet one of the greatest physicists of my time. Professor
Hawking's unending drive for the solutions of our universe is an inspiration to all aspiring
physicists, whatever their intended field. I have read Professor Hawking's books and am very
interested in his theories. I have heard some of his lectures, but only on television, and would
very much like to attend a live lecture. Furthermore, this would be a great chance to visit the
White House for the first time.
*Candra Hodges, Howard
Freshman, undeclared
Opportunity rarely knocks twice. I think that if I do not participate in this program that I will
never be presented with the chance to meet Professor Hawking again in my life. I would also
be rather upset with myself if I passed up an opportunity to meet one of the greatest scientific
minds of our time. He asks the same questions that I have had since I was a child. But not
only does he ask, he ponders the question and offers us substantial conjecture that, while we
may not agree with what he proposes, we can't ignore it. Although I do not believe that the
universe will collapse, as Professor Hawking purports, I find his presentation of that claim
insightful and thought provoking. Besides, it would be cool to tell all my "Trekkie" friends,
who also happen to be fans of his, that I got to attend one of his lectures.
*Daniel Malinow, University of Maryland
Freshman, Architecture/physics
It was after reading Professor Hawking's A Brief History of Time at age thirteen, that I
became extremely interested in science and physics. The influence this book had on me
shaped many of the academic decisions I made throughout my high school career. Now, as I
am at the beginning of my college career, I feel that personal involvement in this program
will present me with an opportunity to investigate my goals for my future education. As a
result of the influence his work has had on me, I have always considered Professor Hawking
a role model and mentor. While I have read his books and seen him on television,
experiencing one of his lectures firsthand has always been a desire of mine.
statementsplusWP.doc
Page 4
Aubrey Hill, University of Maryland
Senior, Elementary Education
In less than eight months I will be embarking upon the beginning of a career as an elementary
school teacher. I am currently concentrating in math, science, and technology in a special
teacher education program at the University of Maryland, College Park. I feel that our first
and foremost concern in the United States should be to better our educational system and
increase student interest in math and science. Scientists like Dr. Hawking are not only
inspiring but also stretch our curiousity and motivation. I feel that I can bring this experience
back into the classroom and in turn motivate my students to become the next Dr. Hawking. I
also feel that being a part of this session will educate me and increase my knowledge of the
world of science. This knowledge can do wonders in the classroom. My wish is that all
teachers could be inpired by this man.
*Valerie Brown, Morgan State University
Junior, pre-med
I would like to attend the Professor Stephen Hawking Program because I am intrigued by Dr.
Hawking's philosophies about the universe. He continues to not only build upon the basic
tenets and laws of physics, but also disproves many of the existing laws of the universe,
especially the supposed relationship between the speed of light and the "black hole." I also
like the fact that Dr. Hawking uses layman's terms to explain his most intricate ideas and
philosophies about the universe so that the average person can easily understand his concepts.
In summary, Dr. Hawking is an inspiration to people who do not understand and follow his
philosophy as well as an inspiration to people who do understand his complex theories about
the universe.
Carmen Greene, Morgan State University
Sophomore, physics
In the new millennium, science will have reached an all time high. Contrary to popular
belief, physics will be moving at a faster pace than ever before. Science is, and always has
been, an essential feature in the everyday lives of people today and of future generations.
Becoming a physicist was never a goal of mine until recently. Actually, I had not thought of
majoring in physics until my Senior year of high school. Now that I am a physics major, my
concentration lies in determining the specific field of physics that I wish to pursue.
Participating in the Hawking Millennium Program will extend an excellent opportunity to
gain a better insight into a field of physics that is new to me. I understand the painstaking
and demanding, but rewarding process involved in becoming an expert in the field of study
one chooses. The more opportunities pursued now, the better prepared I will be in the future
to face the obstacles I encounter.
statementsplusWP.doc
Page 5
Sonia Gay, Morgan State University
Junior, Electrical engineering
My one wish is to teach high school physics while performing research in atmospheric
physics at NASA. I know that Professor Hawking has overcome great obstacles to realize his
dream od studying astrophysics. I want to help students overcome their own personal
obstacles, whether it be poverty, family life, self-esteem, or a learning disability, to realize
their own dreams of becoming great scientists or engineers.
*Katherine Jane Hall, Swarthmore College
Junior, astrophysics and music
As a student of astrophysics, I am learning about both the history of the science and the
current events in astrophysical research and thought. Many of the scientific techniques and
principles I study in classes have been known for decades or even centuries, but fascinating
developments are taking place in the field now. I believe that it is important not only to study
astronomy's past, but also to keep up with present proceedings. One of the foremost
interpreters of today's scientific advances is Professor Stephen Hawking. I would like to
participate in the Hawking Millennium Program in order to find out what Professor Hawking
considers the most important information to share with this audience of scientists and
non-scientists alike.
Beth Alison Biller, Swarthmore College
Sophomore, astrophysics
My interest in astrophysics solidified when I was thirteen years old - and developed a
profound interest in black holes and all things relativistic. During this period, I received
Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time as a Bat Mitzvah present from my uncle, and it
became a pivotal source of knowledge for me. Six years later, I am deeply entrenched in and
thrilled by my astrophysics major - hoping to do my first bit of research in galactic formation
this summer and dabbling in amateur radio astronomy on the side.
*Sakhile Moyo, University of the District of Columbia
Senior. Biology and chemistry
I would like to attend the Professor Stephen Hawking Program because I am intrigued by Dr.
Hawking's philosophies about the universe. He continues to not only build upon the basic
tenets and laws of physics, but also disproves many of the existing laws of the universe,
especially the supposed relationship between the speed of light and the "black hole." I also
like the fact that Dr. Hawking uses layman's terms to explain his most intricate ideas and
philosophies about the universe so that the average person can easily understand his concepts.
In summary, Dr. Hawking is an inspiration to people who do not understand and follow his
philosophy as well as an inspiration to people who do understand his complex theories about
the universe.
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AND TYPE
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mean to them (partial) (1 page)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Christine Macy
OA/Box Number: 17203
FOLDER TITLE:
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2013-0936-S
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statementsplusWP.doc
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[001]
Senior, Computer science
Most people remember the first time they kissed, or the first time they met their mates. I
remember the first time I saw Dr. Stephen Hawking. He was being featured on the Public
Broadcasting Show, titled "Stephen Hawking's Universe." What really caught my attention
was seeing this man in a wheelchair, speaking incoherently and interpreted by another person.
I remember wondering, "Why is this man on TV?" However, as soon as I focused on the
words I heard, I knew the answer immediately. His thoughts about the universe were very
insightful, and I was fascinated by them like a baby's fascination with something shiny.
Clearly, he was a genius. I have physical challenges myself, and I view Dr. Hawking as one
of my role models. He is a shining example of my possibilities as a person who is physically
challenged, from being a Lucasian Professor to guest starring on "Star Trek." I would
consider it a phenomenal honor to participate in anything associated with Dr. Hawking.
delaym
Stand
They
cat
ysare
live
men
HRC
I am honored to join the President in welcoming you to the
East Room of the White House for our second Millennium Evening.
I'd like to start by thanking everyone who has made this event
possible, especially our speaker, Stephen Hawking; Ellen Lovell,
Director of the White House Millennium Council; co-sponsors
and
who is providing the technology to simultaneously bring
this lecture to the world, and to preserve it for posterity.
I also want to mention that among our special guests tonight
are students from
whom we invited not only because we hope
they will learn something this evening but also to remind all of us
of the importance of teaching our young people science and math
the tools that unlock the future. The President has
to begin
meeting that challenge.
With this series of Millennium evenings at the White House, we
are launching a three-year commemmoration and celebration of
America's millennium, hoping to inspire all Americans to come
together to "Honor the Past and Imagine the Future." This is an
mg
opportunity for us to take stock of who we are, what we believe in,
and what we want to carry into the next century -- not only as
individuals and families, but as local communities and as a nation.
Oil
The significant of the year 2000 is not only that it marks a
new century and millennium. It's also the 200th anniversary of the
White House; the 200th anniversary of the first meeting of Congress
Sereament
in the new Capitol building, and the 200th anniversary of the
Library of Congress. So these three major institutions of our
government and our history are all celebrating their bicentennials
at the same time giving us a chance to highlight our democratic
institutions and ideals as we enter the 21st century.
A few weeks ago, we inaugurated this Millennium lecture series
with a brilliant talk from one of our nation's leading American
historians, Professor Bernard Bailyn from Harvard. He spoke
eloquently about the ideas of democracy and freedom that inspired
the birth of this nation over two centuries ago -- and about how we
continue to draw on those ideals and beliefs today.
Tonight, we leap over boundaries of historical time and place,
and hear from a man who has pushed back the frontiers of science,
and become one of the great physicists of our century. Almost 25
years ago, Stephen Hawking was formally inducted into the Royal
Academy in London -- one of the most ancient scholarly
organizations in the world. As part of that ceremony, he signed
his name in a book that bore the signature of Isaac Newton on one
Saily
of its earliest pages. Stephen Hawking, even then, was a
legendary figure. He is now Lucasian Professor of Math at
Cambridge University -- a post held, once again, by fellow
Sandaty
explorer, Sir Isaac Newton.
Luckily for many of us, in addition to his many scholarly
works, Mr. Hawking has written a book aimed at a "lay" audience --
in the hopes that his all encompassing knowledge of astronomy,
cosmology and physics can be understood by mere mortals like
ourselves. That "A Brief History of Time" has become the best
selling science book ever proves to what extent has has succeeded
in his mission.
Some of us may be able to grasp at least the general notion of
black holes, the "big bang" theory of the birth of the universe,
and the concept that our universe is expanding. What I find
particularly heartening, however, is that according to his book,
present evidence suggests that "even if the universe is going to
recollapse, it won't do so for at least another ten thousand
millions years." So we call all relax for the time being.
Stephen Hawking has surely helped millions of people here and
around the globe to "imagine" the past and even the future of our
universe. He has enthralled us with his probing questions about
the origins and fate of outer space -- yet it's his inner courage,
in the face of great physical odds -- that is perhaps the even
greater inspiration. It is a true honor and pleasure to intruce to
you tonight Stephen Hawking, who will speak to us about "Creativity
and Science in the 21st Century."
FEB.27.1998
3:43PM
CUDUUS
Ellen / Sarah 7. Sanjay: :
have it is
Zam: usuall
replace it
winder - new
1.
he commuls -
The Computer
2 peple n anders
Communication system
Here are a few words by Professor Hawking about his computer system.
Ellen
I communicate with a computer system. I have always used IBM compatible
computers, on my wheel chair. They run from batteries under the wheel chair,
although an Internal battery will keep the computer running for an hour
If necessary. The screen is mounted on the am of the wheel chair where I
can see It, more recent systems have the whole computer in a box on this
arm. The original systems were put together for me by David Mason, of
Cambridge Adaptive Communications. This company manufacture and supply a
variety of products to help people with communication problems express
themselves, Recently, Intel engineers designed a new computer for me
powered by an MMX Pentium processor which I now use.
On the computer, I run a program called EqualizerTM, written by a company
Thursday February 26, 1998 America Online: Cambrogsdp Page: 1
called Words Plus inc. A cursor moves across the upper part of the
screen. I can stop
it by pressing a switch in my hand. This switch is my only interface with
the computer. In this way I can select words, which are printed on the
lower part of the screen. When I have built up a sentence, I can send it
to a speech synthesizer. I use a separate synthesizer, made by Speech+,
It is the best I have heard, though It gives me an accent that has been
described variously as Scandinavian, American or Scottish.
I also can use Windows 95 through an interface called EZ Keys, again made
by Words Plus, I am able to control the mouse with the switch through
cleverly selected process from a small box shown on the desktop. I can
also write text using similar menu's to those in Equalizer.
, can save what I write on disk, I write papers using a formatting
program called TEX I can write equations In words, and the program
translates them into
symbols, and prints them out on paper in the appropriate type. I can also
give lectures. I write the lecture beforehand, and save it on disk. I can
then send it to the
speech synthesiser, a sentence at a time. It works quite well, and I can
try out the lecture, and polish it, before I give it.
1 am also able to operate lights and doors through a radio control device
and even use an Infra-red controller to operate electrical equipment in
my home, via the computer.
Recent improvements
As part of a continuing plan to update and enhance Professor Hawking's
computer system, here are a few of the latest additions.
Keep talking
It is essential that Professor Hawking can use a telephone. He can use
either a mobile phone or plug directly into a wall socket. This works by
writing sentences
using EqualiserTM and sending the words to the voice synthesizer which Is
connected to a mobile phone. Additional commands can be sent to the
synthesiser to
"put down" and "pick up" the phone.
Snail mail evolves to Electronic mail
The most recent addition to Professor Hawkings digital collection is the
use of E-mail. This is achieved by connecting to a separate computer
running an
email-friendly operating system. Single letter commands are used to list,
view and reply to mail messages. The use of automated bulletin boards has
released the
assistants from showing him numerous reviews and papers.
How Stephen Communicates.
Since catching pneumonia about 10 years ago [approx] and having to have a
Thursday February 26, 1998 America Online: Cambrogsdp Page: 2
FE8.27.1998
tracheostomy [spelling?] Professor Hawking's ability to communicate has
been affected. He effectively lost his voice and initially was only able
to communicate via a spelling card. This was a long and Arduous process
which involved someone pointing the letters of the alphabet printed on a
card and Stephen "blinking' yes or no to spell out words. He quips 'It
was pretty dificult to have a conversation like that'. This process was
avoided with the development of computer systems which could select words
and phrases from menus using a softkey (switch) in Stephen's hand. This
Is described above.
Nowadays Stephen uses the Equalizer software on both his chair computer
and his desk top computer in his office. It Is his primary mode of
communication. There are ways of speeding up the process of discussions
with Stephen, and there are times when he cannot use his computer. It is
fair to say one learns how to speed things up and avoid frustration.
Stephen can communicate with his face - a raise of the eyebrows simply
means 'yes' and pulling back the left side of his mouth (or sometimes a
slight shake of the head) means 'no'. Knowing this can make a real
difference as one tries to pose more specific questions, or guess what
Stephen is trying to say before he has prepared the whole sentance. (the
screen of his computers are there for all to see and he does not need to
use the synthesiser when supervising or talking to assistants - except
maybe to get their attention!).
For Interest: A spelling card is used at times, eg when getting into bed,
and a possum' is used at night. This is a simple piece of equipment
operated by the same type as switch as the computers. It can switch on an
alarm (and radio page the nurse) and toggle through 8 or so options on
the box.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
SPEECHWRITING
Fax: (202)456-5709
Phone: (202)456-2777
TO: Sanjay
Fax:
57234
Phone:
FROM: Christy
Comments:
Date:
Number of pages (including cover):
03/02/98 MON 14:31 FAX 202 456 6235
SOCIAL OFFICE
001
NO. 944)
P.2/4
Fax to Michael
O'many
66244
3pages
total
57234
1.
The Computer
Communication system
Here are a few words by Professor Hawking about his computer system.
I communicate with a computer system. I have always used IBM compatible
computers, on my wheel chair. They run from batteries under the wheel chair,
although an internal battery will keep the computer running for an hour
if necessary. The screen Is mounted on the arm of the wheel chair where I
can see it, more recent systems have the whole computer in a box on this
arm. The original systems were put together for me by David Mason, of
Cambridge Adaptive Communications. This company manufacture and supply a
variety of products to help people with communication problems express
themselves. Recently, Intel engineers designed a new computer for me
powered by an MMX Pentlum processor which 1 now use.
On the computer. I run a program called EqualizerTM. written by a company
Thursday February 28, 1998 America Online: Cambrogadp Page: 1
03/02/98 MON 14:31 FAX 202 456 6235
SOCIAL OFFICE
002
NO. 944
P.3/4
called Words Plus Inc. A cursor moves across the upper part of the
screen. I can stop
It by pressing a switch in my hand. This switch is my only interface with
the computer. In this way I can select words, which are printed on the
lower part of the screen. When I have bullt up a sentence, I can send it
to a speech synthesizer. I use a separate synthesizer, made by Speech+,
It is the best I have heard, though It gives me an accent that has been
described variously as Scandinavian, American or Scottish.
I also can use Windows 95 through an interface called EZ Keys, again made
by Words Plus, I am able to control the mouse with the switch through
cleverly selected process from a small box shown on the desktop. I can
also write text using similar menu's to those in Equalizer.
I can save what I write on disk. I write papers using a formatting
program called TEX I can write equations In words. and the program
translates them into
symbols, and prints them out on paper In the appropriate type. I can also
give lectures. 1 write the lecture beforehand, and save It on dlak. I can
then send It to the
speech synthesiser, a sentence at a time. It works quite well, and I can
try out the lecture, and polish It, before I give it.
I am also able to operate lights and doors through a radio control device
and even use an infra-red controller to operate electrical equipment in
my home, via the computer.
Recent improvements
As part of B continuing plan to update and enhance Professor Hawking's
computer ayatem. here are B few of the latest additions.
57234
Keep talking
It is essential that Professor Hawking can use a telephone. He can use
either a mobile phone or plug directly into a wall socket. This works by
writing sentences
using EquallserTM and sending the words to the voice synthesizer which is
connected to a mobile phone. Additional commands can be sent to the
synthesiser to
"put down" and "pick up" the phone.
Snall mall evolves to Electronic mail
The most recent addition to Professor Hawkings digital collection Is the
use of E-mail. This is achieved by connecting to a separate computer
running an
email-friendly operating system. Single letter commands are used to list,
view and reply to mail messages. The use of automated bulletin boards has
released the
assistants from showing him numerous reviews and papers.
How Stephen Communicates.
Since catching pneumonia about 10 years ago [approx] and having to have a
Thursday February 28, 1928 America Online: Cambrogsdp Page: 2
03/02/98 MON 14:32 FAX 202 456 6235
SOCIAL OFFICE
003
NO. 944
P.4/4
tracheostomy [spelling?] Professor Hawking's ability to communicate has
been affected. He effectively lost his voice and initially was only able
to communicate via a spelling card. This was a long and Arduous process
which involved someone pointing the letters of the alphabet printed on a
card and Stephen 'blinking' yes or no to spell out words. He quips 'ft
was pretty dificult to have a conversation like that', This process was
avoided with the development of computer systems which could select words
and phrases from menus using a softkey (switch) in Stephen's hand. This
is described above,
Nowadays Stephen uses the Equalizer software on both his chair computer
and his desk top computer in his office. It is his primary mode of
communication. There are ways of speeding up the process of discussions
with Stephen, and there are times when he cannot use his computer. It Is
fair to say one leams how to speed things up and avoid frustration.
Stephen can communicate with his face - a raise of the eyebrows simply
means 'yes' and pulling back the left side of his mouth (or sometimes a
slight shake of the head) means 'no'. Knowing this can make a real
difference as one tries to pose more specific questions, or guess what
Stephen is trying to say before he has prepared the whole sentance. (the
screen of his computers are there for all to see and he does not need to
use the synthesiser when supervising or talking to assistants - except
maybe to get their attention!).
For Interest: A spelling card is used at times, eg when getting into bed,
and a 'possum' is used at night. This is a simple piece of equipment
operated by the same type as switch as the computers. It can switch on an
alarm (and radio page the nurse) and toggle through 8 or so options on
the box.
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
REMARKS FOR WHITE HOUSE MILLENNIUM EVENING
LECTURE BY STEPHEN HAWKING
EAST ROOM
the
MARCH 6, 1998
I am honored to join the President in welcoming you to the East room of the White House
for our second Millennium Evening. I'd like to begin by thanking everyone who has made this
event possible, especially our honored speaker, Professor Stephen Hawking; Ellen Lovell,
director of the White House Millennium Council; the National Endowment for the Humanities
and all the state humanities councils; and Sun Microsystems, which is providing the technology
to simultaneously bring this lecture to the world -- and preserve it for posterity. A special
welcome to Americans across the country who are joining us via cybercast and satellite some
of whom will be posing questions to Professor Hawking after his remarks.
I also want to mention that among our special guests tonight are students from area
colleges and universities who we invited not only because we thought they would be inspired by
tonight's lecture, but also to remind all of us of the critical importance of keeping our future
leaders on the cutting edge of science, math and technology the tools they need to unlock the
extraordinary possibilities of the future.
Tonight's lecture by Stephen Hawking continues a series of gatherings with scholars,
scientists, and creative individuals here at the White House that will commemorate and celebrate
America's millennium. Over the next three years, we hope to inspire all Americans to come
together to mark this milestone in our history by "honoring the past and imagining the future."
It's an exciting opportunity for conversation and collaboration a time to take stock of who we
are and who we want to be and what we want to carry into the next century, not only as
individuals and families, but as local communities and as a nation.
that spenked and demares
A few weeks ago, we inaugurated this Millennium lecture series with a talk about 200 you go
America's founding ideals of freedom and democracy/by one of our nation's leading American
historians, Professor Bernard Bailyn from Harvard University (That was also the first cybercast
ever from the White House another historic moment).
Ne time has enelded us to imgine part "the
cryan
Tonight, we leap beyond traditional boundaries of historical time and place, and hear
and
Cormy
from a man who has pushed back/the frontiers of science, and revolutionized our understanding as w
of the universe in which we live. Almost 25 years ago, Stephen Hawking was formally inducted
a
the
into the Royal Academy in London one of the most ancient scholarly organizations in the
fulur
world. As part of that ceremony, he signed his name in a book that bore the signature of Isaac
Newton on one of its earliest pages. Stephen Hawking even then, was a legendary figure -- and
has since come to viewed, along with Newton and Einstein, as one of the most brilliant
physicists of our time.
of an
and his
a
well
state physion as
as
Even as a young student, Stephen Hawking was drawn to science and the study of
physics. "I always wanted to know how everything worked," he once said. He chose the same
undergraduate college as my husband -- University College, Oxford University and it was here
that his extraordinary mind for math and the sciences was first recognized. (It should hearten
some of the students here tonight that Hawking's "casual study habits" put him on the borerline
between first and second class honors necessitating an oral exam. It didn't take long for the
examiners to realize that they were talking to someone far more clever than most of them.)
went
He entered Cambridge University to study cosmology -- and in particular, the area of
pysics which describes the evolution of the universe. Since then, he has applied his prodigious
talents to expanding our understanding of the laws of the cosmos, and seeking answers to such
fundamental questions as "where did the universe come from?" and "can we predict the future?"
Professor Hawking who has received numerous prizes and honors including the commander of
the British empower in 1982 and twelve honorary degrees is a Fellow of the Royal Society and
a Member of the U.s. National Academy of Sciences. He's currently the Lucasian Professor of
Mathematics at Cambridge University a post held, once again, by fellow explorer Sir Isaac
Newton.
dynamic
Luckily for many of us, in addition to his many scholarly works, Professor Hawking has
written a book aimed at a "lay" audience in the hopes of éducating the general public about his
"big bang" theory of the beginning of time; the notion of an expanding universe, and the
existence of "black holes." That A Brief History of Time has become the best selling science
book ever 9 million copies around the world, and translated into 300 languages -- testifies to
the success of his mission. And I must admit, I've been heartened by some of what I read in that
book. "Present evidence suggests," he writes, that "even if the universe is going to recollapse, it
won't do so for at least another ten thousand million years." That certainly gives us some time to
get things right.
persial
Through his investigations of the laws of science, Stephen Hawking has surely helped
millions of people here and around the gobe to "imagine" the past and even the possible future of
our vast universe. Yet it's his inner courage, in the face of great physical odds -- that is perhaps
the even greater inspiration.
unitations
As many of you know, Professor Hawking has what we now know as "Lou Gerig's
Disease a degenerative nerve disease that has deprived him of almost all
He will speak to
us tonight, and later answer questions from the audience, through
He exemplifies the eduring spirit of imagination that sees no boundaries -- only
possibilities.
Professor Hawking has said: "My goal is simple. It is complete understanding of the
Universe." Tonight, we honor his life of study and accomplishment; his extraordinary
imagination; his relentless questionings; his sense of humor, and his humanity. With his refusal
to allow the study of the universe to remain soley the property of physicists like himself,
Professor Hawking is ensuring that all of us can, in some measure, participate in the wonder and
the awe of the cosmos.
university
It is a true honor and pleasure to introduce to you tonight Professor Stephen Hawking,
who will speak to us about "Imagination and Change: Science in the Next Millennium."
190
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF THE MILLENNIUM PROGRAM
Phone: (202)395-7200
Fax: (202)395-7234
TO:
Christy Macy
PHONE:
6-2935
FAX:
6-5709
C6244
FROM:
Ellen McCulloch- Lovell,
Deputy Assistant to the President and
Advisor to the First Lady on the Millennium
Other Sarah
DATE:
Number of pages (including cover):
MESSAGE: Here is what combridge sent r:
Hawking corupeter + speech. 1st Ellen says
She's going to talk to Lady about it
I'm adtsure if Missy kincaid already
has. Mon. 50 it's not a definite, butifyouwant
to start playing withit.
THE WHITE HOUSE MILLENNIUM PROGRAM
708 Jackson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20503
The information contained in this facsimile is CONFIDENTIAL and intended for the recipient
ONLY. Please call if there are any problems with this transmission.
TOO
MILLENNIUM OFFICE
02/27/98 FRI 17:53 FAX 202 395 7234
FEB.27.1998 3:43PM CUDOUS
HU.
Ellein / Sarah / Sanjay
have it is
1.
The Computer
Communication system
Here are a few words by Professor Hawking about his computer system.
I communicate with a computer system. I have always used BM compatible
computers, on my wheel chair. They run from batteries under the wheel chair,
although an Internal battery will keep the computer running for an hour
If necessary. The screen Is mounted on the am of the wheel chair where I
can see It, more recent systems have the whole computer in a box on this
arm. The original systems were put together for me by David Mason, of
Cambridge Adaptive Communications. This company manufacture and supply a
variety of products to help people with communication problems express
themselves. Recently, Intel engineers designed a new computer for me
powered by an MMX Pentium processor which I now use.
On the computer, I run a program called EqualizerTM, written by a company
Thursday February 28, 1998 America Onfine: Cambrogsdp Page: 1
002
P
MILLENNIUM OFFICE
02/27/98 FRI 17:54 FAX 202 395 7234
called Words Plus inc, A cursor moves across the upper part of the
screen. I can stop
it by pressing a ewitch in my hand. This switch is my only interface with
the computer. In this way I can select words, which are printed on the
lower part of the screen. When I have built up a sentence, I can send it
to a speech synthesizer. I use a separate synthesizer, made by Speech+,
It is the best I have heard, though It gives me an accent that has been
described variously as Scandinevian, American or Scottish.
I also can use Windows 95 through an Interface called EZ Keys, again made
by Words Plus, I am able to control the mouse with the switch through
cleverly selected process from a small box shown on the desktop. I can
also write text using similar menu's to those in Equalizer.
I can save what I write on disk, I write papers using a formatting
program called TEX I can write equations In words, and the program
translates them into
symbols, and prints them out on paper in the appropriate type. I can also
give lectures. I write the lecture beforehand, and save it on disk. I can
then send it to the
speech synthesiser, a sentence at a time. It works quite well, and I can
try out the lecture, and polish it, before I give it.
1 am also able to operate lights and doors through a radio control device
and even use an Infra-red controller to operate electrical equipment in
my home, via the computer.
Recent improvements
As part of a continuing plan to update and enhance Professor Hawking's
computer system, here are a few of the latest additions.
Keep talking
It is essential that Professor Hawking can use a telephone. He can use
either a mobile phone or plug directly into a wall socket, This works by
writing sentences
using EqualiserTM and sending the words to the voice synthesizer which is
connected to a mobile phone. Additional commands can be sent to the
synthesiser to
"put down" and "pick up" the phone.
Snail mail evolves to Electronic mall
The most recent addition to Professor Mawkings digital collection is the
use of E-mail. This is achieved by connecting to a separate computer
running an
email-friendly operating system. Single letter commands are used to list,
view and reply to mail messages. The use of automated bulletin boards has
released the
assistants from showing him numerous reviews and papers.
How Stephen Communicates.
Since catching pneumonia about 10 years ago [approx] and having to have a
Thursday February 28, 1985 America Online: Cambrogsdp Page: 2
003
D
MILLENNIUM OFFICE
7234 365 202 PAX 12:54 RRI 02/27/98
FEB. 1998, 3:43PM CUDUUS
tracheostomy [spelling7] Professor Hawking's ability to communicate has
been affected. He effectively last his voice and initially was only able
to communicate Ma a spelling card. This was a long and Artuous process
which involved someone pointing the letters of the alphabet printed on a
card and Stephen "blinking" yes or no to spell out words. He quips Tt
was pretty dificult to have a conversation like that. This process was
avoided with the development of computer systems which could select words
and phrases from menus using a softkey (switch) in Stephen's hand. This
Is described above.
Nowadays Stephen uses the Equalizer software on both his chair computer
and his desk top computer in his office. It is his primary mode of
communication. There are ways of speeding up the process of discussions
with Stephen, and there are times when he cannot use his computer. it is
fair to say one learns how to speed things up and avoid frustration.
Stephen can communicate with his face - a raise of the eyebrows simply
means 'yes' and pulling back the left side of his mouth (or sometimes a
slight shake of the head) means no'. Knowing this can make a real
difference as one tries to pose more specific questions, or guess what
Stephen is trying to say before he has prepared the whole sentance. (the
screen of his computers are there for all to see and he does not need to
use the synthesiser when supervising or talking to assistants - except
maybe to get their attention).
For Interest: A spelling card is used at times, eg when getting into bed,
and a 'possum' is used at night. This is a simple piece of equipment
operated by the same type as switch as the computers. It can switch on an
alarm (and radio page the nurse) and toggle through 8 or so options on
the box.
001
OFFRIC
02/27/98 FRI 17:54 FAX 202 395 7234
For Immediate Release
Contact: 202-395-7200
February 26, 1998
PRESIDENT AND MRS. CLINTON TO WELCOME
STEPHEN HAWKING FOR MILLENNIUM EVENING AT THE WHITE HOUSE
The President and Mrs. Clinton are announcing that Cambridge University Physicist Stephen
Hawking will be the guest lecturer at the second Millennium Evening at the White House, Friday,
March 6 at 7:30 pm
Mrs. Clinton explains that the "Millennium Evenings at the White House' are a series of
gatherings with scholars, scientists, and creative individuals from many fields whose ideas will
help us honor our past and imagine our future as we approach this milestone in human history."
The Millennium Evening will be held in the East Room of the White House and Professor
Hawking will discuss, "Imagination and Change: Science in the Next Millennium." Mr. Hawking
is the best-selling author of A Brief History of Time, about the evolution of the universe. The
book has been translated into 33 languages and has sold 9 million copies. He is the Lucasian
Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University; a position once held by Sir Isaac Newton. He
is the head of the General Relativity and Gravity Group in the Department of Applied
Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.
The National Endowment for the Humanities is sponsoring the Millennium Evening with support
from Sun Microsystems, Inc.
The Millennium Evening will be broadcast via satellite and cybercast over the internet allowing for
live video and audio formats. The President and First Lady encourage Americans to participate in
the evening's discussion by sending questions to Professor Hawking via email either before or
during the cybercast. Questions may be sent via the White House web site
(http://www.whitehouse.gov). That web site will also post the satellite coordinates (on C and KU
bands) and serve as a link to the cybercast. The cybercast is also available via the web page of
Sun Mircosystems (http://www.sun.com).
002
OFFECE WINNESSIN
THU FAX 02/26/98 18:12 7234 395 202
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF THE MILLENNIUM PROGRAM
Phone: (202) 395-7200
Fax: (202) 395-7234
TO:
Christy Macy
PHONE:
FAX:
65709
FROM:
Ellen McCulloch- Lovell,
Deputy Assistant to the President and
Advisor to the First Lady on the Millennium
X Other Kazia
DATE:
2/24
Number of pages (including cover): 3
MESSAGE:
THE WHITE HOUSE MILLENNIUM PROGRAM
708 Jackson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20503
The information contained in this facsimile is CONFIDENTIAL and intended for the recipient
ONLY. Please call if there are any problems with this transmission.
DETERMINED TO BE AN ADMINSTRATIVE
MARKING Per E.O. 12958 as amended, Sec. 3.3 (c)
Initials: RUR
Date 08/21/13
TOO D
OFFECE
02/26/98 THU 16:11 FAX 202 395 7234
today scientiest describe universte in terms of two basic partial
theories: the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics;
the great intellectual achievements of the first half of the
century;
these quests: humanitiy's deepest desire for knowledge;
fundamental questions about time and space;
new understanding of time and space was to revolutionize our view
of the universe; old idea of essntailly unchanging universe that
could hav existed and could continue to exist forever was replaced
by notion of a dynamic, expanding universe that seems to have begun
a finite time ago, and that might end at a finite time in the
future;
now know, for example, that our galaxy is only one of some hundred
thousand millions that can be seen using modern telecropes; each
galaxy containing some hundred thousand millions stars; certainly
come a long way since Artistotle and Ptolemy -- when we thought
that the earth was the center of the universe;
present evident suggests that the universe will probably expand
forever, but all we can really be sure of is that even if the
universe is going to recollapse, it won't do so for at least
another ten thousand millions years, since it has already been
expanding for at least that long; this should not unduly worry us;
by that time, unless we have colonized beyond the Solar System,
mankind will long since have died out, exchingguished long with our
sun.
at the end of his book: "We find ourselves in a bewildering world.
We want to make sense of what we see around us and to ask: what is
the nature of the universe? what is our place in it and where did
it and we come from? Why is it the way it is?
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HAWLETT.ER
Page 1
Draft - Gilman foundation?
March 6, 1998
Welcome to the Millennium Evening at the White House. This
visit with Stephen Hawking continues a series of gatherings with
scholars, scientists, and creative individuals from many fields
whose ideas will help us honor our past and imagine our future as
we approach this milestone in human history.
Tonight we are privileged to have renowned physicist Stephen
Hawking speak to us about, "Imagination and Change: Science in
the Next Millennium." His experience investigating the laws of
science and how they affect human life will help shed light on
how scientific and technological advancements will shape and be
shaped by human knowledge.
This evening's discussion is generously sponsored by The
National Endowment for the Humanities in partnership with Sun
Microsystems and I extend to them a very special thanks.
Americans all around the country are joining us via cybercast and
satellite and we will hear from some of them after Professor
Hawking's remarks. I also welcome the students from area
colleges and universities who are joining us this evening and
applaud their active interest in learning more about the future
that they will be responsible for leading.
It is a pleasure to have you join us here in the Speople's
house as we anticipate the 200th anniversary of the White House
in the year 2000. It is my hope that this evening's program
fills each of us with a sense of awe and discovery and inspires
us to look anew at the world around us.
Sarah Howes
02/27/98 09:33:32 AM
Record Type:
Record
To:
Christine N. Macy/WHO/EOP
CC:
Subject: Re: FW: White House Millenium Evening
In case you haven't connected with Bev Hartline yet, she describes below to some degree the
process by which students were selected - she's responding to a GWU student who emailed us.
Forwarded by Sarah Howes/WHO/EOP on 02/27/98 09:31 AM
Beverly K. Hartline
-
02/26/98 06:25:42 PM
Record Type:
Record
To:
sblevy @ gwis2.circ.gwu.ed
CC:
See the distribution list at the bottom of this message
Subject: Re: FW: White House Millenium Evening
Dear Scott,
Thank you for your kind offer to identify GWU students to attend the Millenium evening program
featuring Professor Hawking. We agree that including the next generation in these evenings is very
important to their success. Consequently a selection of students from eight different colleges and
universities has been made. Since only GWU students attended the first program, we contacted
other campuses for this program.
In order to involve more students than can be accomodated among the live audience in the East
Room, the Office of Science and Technology Policy is hosting a reception in the Old Executive
Office Building and is arranging for live video/viewing from an auditorium in the White House
complex.
I would be happy to invite up to four students from GWU to apply to attend the reception and
video/viewing. To be considered, however, each student must submit to me at this email address
and to [email protected] the following information:
1. Name
2. Academic level (even graduate students are eligible)
3. Major field of study
4. Birthdate
5. Social Security Number
6. Nationality of citizenship
7. A question the student would like to pose for Professor Hawking
8. Phone number
9. Mailing address.
10. Permission for the White House, OSTP, and the Millenium program to use the question
submitted.
I must receive this information by Friday February 27th, and invitations will be extended to students
on the basis of the quality of their questions. These questions do not have to be scientific. The
students who were considered for attendence in the East Room had, in addition, to provide a
short statement (fewer than 150 words) describing why it was important to them to participate.
Since all student invitations to the East Room have been made, it is not essential for you and your
colleagues to provide such a statement, but we would enjoy reading about the reasons for their
interest.
I look forward to hearing from you.
--Beverly Hartline
Message Copied To:
Sanjay Gupta/WHO/EOP
mmadsen @ neh.gov @ inet
Sarah Howes/WHO/EOP
Miriam A. Forman/OSTP/EOP
Holly L. Gwin/OSTP/EOP
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
REMARKS FOR WHITE HOUSE MILLENNIUM EVENING
LECTURE BY STEPHEN HAWKING
EAST ROOM
MARCH 6, 1998
I am honored to join the President in welcoming you to the East room of the White House
for our second Millennium Evening. I'd like to begin by thanking everyone who has made this
event possible, especially our honored speaker, Professor Stephen Hawking; Ellen Lovell,
director of the White House Millennium Council; our sponsor, the National Endowment for the
Humanities, with support from Sun
who is providing the technology to simultaneously bring
this lecture to the world, and to preserve it for posterity.
I also want to mention that among our special guests tonight are students from area
colleges and universities who we invited not only because we hope they will be inspired by
tonight's lecture, but also to remind all of us of the critical importance of teaching our young
people science and math -- the tools they need to unlock the extraordinary possibilities of the
future.
With this series of Millennium evenings at the White House, we are launching a three
year commemmoration and celebration of America's millennium, hoping to inspire all
Americans to come together to "Honor the past and imagine the future." This is an opportunity
for all of us to take stock of who we are; what we believe in; and what we want to carry into the
next century, not only as individuals and families, but as local communities and as a nation.
The significance of the year 2000 is not only that it marks a new century and millennium.
It's also the 200th anniversary of the White House; the 200th anniversary of the first meeting of
congress in the New Capitol building; and the 200th anniversary of the Library of Congress.
This confluence of historic events gives us a unique opportunity to highlight our democratic
institutions and ideals as we enter the 21st Century.
A few weeks ago, we inaugurated this Millennium lecture series with a talk about those
founding ideals from one of our nation's leading American historians, Professor Bernard Bailyn
from Harvard University. (That was also the first cybercast ever from the White House
another historic moment). That evening, Professor Bailyn spoke eloquently about the principles
of democracy and freedom that inspired the birth of this nation over two centuries ago -- and
about how we continue to draw on them today, as our nation faces new challenges.
Tonight, we leap over traditional boundaries of historical time and place, and hear from a
man who has pushed back the frontiers of science, and revolutionized our understanding of the
universe in which we live. Almost 25 years ago, Stephen Hawking was formally inducted into
the Royal Academy in London -- one of the most ancient scholarly organizations in the world.
As part of that ceremony, he signed his name in a book that bore the signature of Isaac Newton
on one of its earliest pages. Stephen Hawking even then, was a legendary figure -- and is now
recognized as the most brilliant theoretical physicist since Albert Einstein. He's the Lucasian
Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University a post held, once again, by fellow explorer,
Sir Isaac Newton. (He chose the same undergraduate college as my husband -- University
College at Oxford -- but their careers have taken decidedly different paths since then.)
some
fus
Luckily for many of us, in addition to his many scholarly works, Professor Hawking has
written a book aimed at a "lay" audience in the hopes that he can educate mere mortals like
ourselves about his "big bang theory of the universe; the notion of an expanding universe, and
the existence of "black holes." That A Brief History of Time has become the best selling science
book ever 9 million copies around the world, and translated into 300 languages -- testifies to
the success of his mission. He has noted, modestly, that he has sold "more books about Physics
than Madonna has about sex
Zonest
Professor Hawking has said: "My goal is simple. It is complete unerstanding of the
Universe." We honor his life of study; his extraordinary imagination; his relentless questions; his
humanity and sense of humor. And we honor his refusal to allow the study of the universe to be
soley the property of physicists like himself. He's committed to ensuring that all of us can, in
some measure, participate in the wonder of the cosmos.
also
I must admit that standing in the presence of such a mind is a bit intimidating. So I take
heart, for example, in learning that Professor Hawking was know for his somewhat "independent
ways and casual study habits" as a college student. I'm particularly heartened to learn that
according to A Brief History of Time, present evidence suggests that "even if the universe is
going to recollapse, it won't do so for at least another ten thousand million years."
and send whing Cheering on
dour
Stephen hawking has surely helped millions of people here and around the gobe to
galley
"imagine" the past and even the possible future of our universe. He has enthralled us with his
probing questions about the origins and fate of outer space. Yet it's his inner courage, in the face
beyind.
of great physical odds that is perhaps the greater inspiration. As many of you know,
Professor Hawking has what we know as "Lou Gerig's Disease," a degenerative nerve disease
that has deprived him of almost all
He will speak to us tonight, and later answer questions
from the audience, through
40
It is a true honor and pleasure to introduce to you tonight Professor Stephen Hawking,
who will speak to us about "Science in the 21st Century."
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NATION'S CAPITAL BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
A Commemorative Vision
Nation's
A celebration of spirit and a renewal of civic pride is to be expressed in the year
2000 marking the 200th anniversary of the nation's capital. In commer norating
Capital
the 200th in 2000. we will focus on the growth of the United States of America's $
Bicentennial
founding as a world leader. give thanks for the freedom enjoyed by its people and
renew its promise (() protect its children's future. This encourages a celebration of
Celebration
life. a commitment 10 responsibility, and a dedication to revitalization that charts a
course of pride and honor for the next century
Mission and Purpose
The mission of the Nation's Capital Bicentennial Celebration is to mobilize, lead
and coordinate the efforts of organizations and volunteers nationwide in
celebration of the 200th anniversary of Washington, DC as the nation's capital and
to recognize its importance as the symbol of freedom throughout the world. In
recognition of the role the city has played in the history of the nation and to
recognize the importance of its future, a concerted effort will be mounted to
celebrate its triumphs while encouraging and assisting in its renewal and
revitalization. To further these efforts and in the cause of national un ly, it is
proposed to shape programs and events that speak to America's history and to its
future-to the needs and aspirations of our Nation, our government, our land and
our people. We plan to:
*
Celebrate 200 years of accomplishments by staging and
recognizing 2,000 events;
Encourage all Americans to embrace this nation's hometown with a
nationwide celebration coordinated with city. regional. ate and
national volunteer committees;
Revitalize America's civic awareness and concern for this capital
city as a national treasure by recognizing our past. addres sing our
present and creating dreams for the future:
Provide insights into current challenges and support initiat ves and
solutions for a reconciled and revitalized city:
Create an international celebration of the ties that bind this city to
NCBC
the world community through programs that relive its history.
PO Box 200
share information. invite tourists, demonstrate culture. of ordable
Washington. DC
and convenient transportation, encourage commerce. and share
20044-0200
mutual interests
Phone
202. 38.6222
In
202.333.6733
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A Celebration of the Man, His City and Our Nation
The capital city was named after George Washington to commemorate and
celebrate his triumph laying a solid foundation for the nation. Out of farmland
and along the riverbank, the structure of a city was cast in place as a permanent
symbol of our democratic government and institutions, framing our long view of a
young nation expanding westward, up the Potomac River, to the golden coast of
the western frontier. The city was, and is, a monument to the man-his
achievements and his vision for a strong. free, and unified nation stretching
westward.
The support of the goals of the Nation's Capital Bicentennial Celebration runs
deep. In a recent survey of Americans it was proven that individuals across our
great country feel an emotional tie and deep respect for the city of Washington,
DC. An overwhelming 94% believe it is important that our nation 's capital be
viewed positively and 88% of the respondents thought it important 10 revitalize the
capital. in fact, 61% said this should be a priority of the US Congress. It is
important to note that Americans, in a tradition of volunteering, are willing 10 take
matters into their own hands. Of those surveyed, 42% said they are individually
willing to volunteer and/or contribute to the effort.
Projects undertaken by the Nation's Capital Bicentennial Celebration will
complement President Clinton's proposed District of Columbia Economic
Corporation (EDC) and the National Capital Infrastructure Commission (NCIC).
The EDC will guide the District's growth and promote investment in the city,
while the NCIC will make certain that infrastructure and economic development
build on each other.
The Nation's Capital Bicentennial Celebration is an outgrowth of the leadership of
other bicentennial and heritage tourism initiatives conducted by Heritage US and
Georgetown Heritage Trust. Both organizations are dedicated to "telling the
nation's stories to the world" by creating educational linkages between the
Nation's cultural and historic resources and its people. Innovative techniques have
been applied to bring people closer to history itself through re-enactments.
forums, videos, interpretive exhibits, travel guides. heritage trails and students
curriculums. Leading roles were played in the Bicentennial Celebrations for the
United States Constitution. Washington, DC, the Presidency, the US Capitol and
others
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The Year 2000 Bicentennial Celebration
Project Goals and Objectives
The celebration of the establishment of Washington, DC as the capital of the
United States will be led and coordinated by the Nation's Capital Bicentennial
Celebration. a 501 (c)(3) corporation, by:
presenting a Bicentennial Celebration event on Presidents Day 2000 to
commemorate the establishment of Washington, D.C as the capital of the
nation;
planning and coordinating the efforts, activities, programs and projects of
private organizations, and federal, state and local governments in a national
celebration of the bicentennial of our nation's capital;
expanding the knowledge and enjoyment of the general public of our nation's
capital and its natural, cultural and historic heritage through the creation of a
lasting-and living-recognition of the historic moment when our founding
fathers moved to the nation's capital;
*
promoting meaningful educational programming for adults, children and
youth through the medium of radio, television, film and theatre;
educating the public through the dissemination of information by print media
and computer linkages;
presenting public discussion groups, forums, panels, lectures. reports,
publications and programs on the heritage of the United States.
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A Commemoration of the Founder and a Call for National Unity
Major Programs
A Celebration of the City
in celebration of the 200th anniversary, NCBC plans to inaugurate the year
2000 with a New Years Eve Millennium Gala involving hundreds of
volunteers and thousands of participants. A coordinated set of "First Night"
celebrations throughout Washington, using the museums. libraries, churches,
parks and other sites for a cultural extravaganza geared to families in an
alcohol and drug free environment is planned.
A National Celebration
A three-day extravaganza of athletic and cultural events surrounding
Presidents Day 2000.
Sail Washington 2000
Planned for June 2000, a parade of international "tall ships" with attendant
educational TV productions, fund raising events for a maritime museum.
opportunities for young people to interact with crew members who are often
teenagers, and special exhibitions and events will be held.
Other events planned include:
Philadelphia to Washington 1800
Train Across America
Independence Day Celebration
Mini World's Fair Around the City
Volunteer 2000 Day
National Antique Exhibition/Exposition
Historic Reenactment Ceremony
A National Bike Ride & Race
A Cherry Blossom Ball
Salute to the Military Freedom Festival
Time Capsule
National Parks and Historic Trails Tour
A State Pride Tour
Homecoming Washington
And more
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Community Participation
Theatre Performances will be coordinated for maximum impact and will
include:
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Ford's Theatre
National Theatre
Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts
Warner Theatre
Constitution Hall
Shakespeare Theatre
Folk Life Festivals
Capitalizing on the diversity of a free people, respecting their heritage and
celebrating their multiculturalism, a mini World's Fair is planned for the ethnic
neighborhoods of Washington.
The City as Symbol
Sound and light events to highlight the history of Washington will be produced.
Commissions of Music Compositions and Plays
To celebrate the historical importance of the anniversary. a series of works will be
commissioned.
The Heritage Trails
Canoeing the Potomac Heritage Trail from Cumberland, Maryland to Point
Lookout with heritage and scientific maps prepared for people to learn their
history on this important heritage corridor. This water trail would be part of a
series of heritage trails under development in the region. Among them are:
The George Washington Memorial
Lafayette Trail
Trail
leTocqueville Democracy of America
Native American Trail
Trail
Early Roadways Trail
The French King's Trail in America
Maritime and Canal Trail
Lincoln Trail
Underground Railroad Trail
Civil War Trail
Hispanic Trail
War of 1812 Trail
Jewish Heritage Trail
Naval History Trail
Women's Heritage Trail
Air Flight Trail
I, Enfant Trail
City of Washington 1800
5
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The National Visitor's Center of Washington
By popular calling, construction of the Washington Monument was taken up in
1848 with the laying of the cornerstone. Delayed for lack of funding and the Civi!
War, the Monument was opened to the public in 1888.
With over 20,000.000 visitors to the Mall every year, the 555-foot stone obelisk
has no interior space to offer visitors, who often stand in line for hours. a respite
from the weather. an educational or interpretive experience to enhance their visit
or their knowledge of the significance of the memorial to the Founder of the
nation.
The Challenge
The George Washington Center, constructed below grade and directly adjacent to
the Monument, will be a state-of-the-art, interactive visitor's center to celebrate
George Washington' $ vision for the Nation, its people, its government, and its
vast territory. It will be designed to:
*
Provide a comfortable and convenient place for tourists to gather before
taking tours up the Washington Monument;
Provide greater access and a broader educational experience for the millions
of tourists who come to see the monument each year, to better understand
George Washington's life, his achievements, his work as president, and the
legacy of his vision and provide a focus on George Washington and a
celebration of the nation that was his dream;
Provide a highly visible center that focuses on participation and establishes
educational links to a broad base of national cultural resources;
To commemorate and mark the historic moment when the capital of the United
States moved to the city of Washington, DC, the NCBC, through the Heritage US
foundation, has proposed and plans to create a state of-the-art underground
visitor's center at the Washington Monument.
Through the use of the latest innovative technologies, millions of visitors annually
will be able to follow the trails taken by George Washington and his comrades as
they rode through the fledging America, enhance their understanding of the
Inited States Government. debate the constitution with Alexander Hamilton and
James Madison, test military strategy during the Revolution. and much more.
997
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Involvement of National Organizations
The Progress Through Partnership Program
Through the leadership of the Nation's Capital Bicentennial Celebration. other
prominent organizations have expressed interest in participating. They share
NCBC's goal of protecting and understanding our national history, and connecting
that seminal period to an understanding of the global experience. To date. they
include, but are not limited to:
National Trust for Historic
Potomac Heritage Partnership
Preservation
Georgetown Heritage Trust
National Geographic Foundation
The American Society of Le Souvenir
National Gallery of Art
Français
Corcoran Gallery of Art
Washington Regional Network
American Association of Museums
American Architectural Foundation
DC Federation of Citizens
Anacostia Historical Society
Associations
Alexandria Seaport Foundation
Parks and History Association
Accokeek Foundation
US National Park Service
LeDroit Park Preservation Society
Colonial Williamsburg
DC Historic Preservation Office
Smithsonian Institution
DC Preservation League
Heritage US
US Navy Memorial Foundation
Association for State and Local
Georgetown University
History
George Washington University
Library of Congress
Society of the Cincinatti
The World Bank
Potomac Electric Power Company
Historical Society of Washington, DC
Washington Gas Light Company
US Capitol Historical Society
U.S. Corps of Engineers
US ICOMOS
Building on the Past to Secure the Future
A Bicentennial celebration provides opportunities to remember the past in order to
better understand the present and plan for the future: mobilize the volunteer forces
that made this nation great; renew a commitment to revitalize a city: and
demonstrate to the world that America was founded on the four freedoms and
cherishes them. It offers an opportunity for:
Leadership: consensus building and coordination with public agencies and
private institutions;
Inventory development. The creation of heritage tourism technology and
historic resource databases:
Interpretation: heritage trails. standardized and accurate brochures.
programming of historical significance.
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The Development and Management of Heritage Tourism in Washington, DC's
Urban Core for the Benefit of Heritage Tourism Throughout the Country
Economic development and revitalization
Focus on education and teaching with historic places
Infrastructure development and transportation enhancement
Information network of historic districts, institutions, neighborhoods. sites and
landmarks
Further development of the urban core as a center and orientation point for
entertainment, education, heritage tourism and history
Coordination with business improvement districts throughout the region
Coordination with current planning initiatives
"The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the
present, but a place that is created - created first in mind and will, created next in
activity. The future is not some place we are going to, but some place we are
creating. The paths are not found but made, and the activity of making them
changes both the maker and the destination. "
- John Schaar
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200
OOON
M
Nation's
Capital
America Cares About
Bicentennial
Celebration
the Image of Its Capital
A National Survey
Conducted by
Wirthlin Worldwide
NCBC
PO Box 200
February 1997
Washington, DC
20044-0200
Phone
202.338.6222
fax
202.333.6733
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WIRTHLIN WORLDWIDE
Summary of Findings
The following results are based on a telephone survey of 1,008 randomly
selected adults age 18 years and older living in the continental United States.
The margin of error is +3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.
Five questions were placed on the National Quorum" focusing on overall
opinions regarding favorability, perception, revitalization, priorities, and
joining efforts. The following sections outline these points:
Favorability and Perception
Over 9 in 10 (94%) respondents think it is important for our Nation's Capital
to be viewed positively. When asked how they think the rest of the world
perceives our Nation's Capital, 59% of the respondents feel Washington, DC
presents a favorable image (15% very favorable and 44% somewhat favorable),
while one third (34%) of the respondents feel Washington, DC presents an
unfavorable image to the rest of the world (23% not very favorable and 11%
not at all favorable).
Revitalization and Priorities
Almost 9 in 10 (88%) Americans feel it is important to revitalize our Nation's
Capital, (57% very important and 31% somewhat important), while seven
percent (7%) of the respondents feel that it is not important. Six in 10 (61%)
Americans feel the revitalization of our nation's capital should be 3 priority of
Congress, while 3 in 10 (31%) do not.
Joining Efforts
While respondents say it is important for our nation's capital to be viewed
positively and to be revitalized as well as believing the United States Congress
should make it a priority, respondents are slightly less inclined to join efforts
through volunteering and contributing their own personal time and resources.
Overall. 4 in 10 (42%) Americans are willing to volunteer, contribute. or a
combination of both. Nineteen percent (19%) say they will volunteer and 11%
say they will contribute to an effort of revitalization, while 13% say they will
volunteer as well as contribute. Americans aged 18-54 are more likely to
volunteer their time or contribute than respondents age 55-64 years.
National Quorum'
February 7.0 1987
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Questions & Answers
1.
What is the Nation's Capital Bicentennial Celebration?
The Nation's Capital Bicentennial Celebration (NCBC), a non-profit organization, is an
association of volunteers whose mission is to promote the renewal of our nation's capital
thrc ugh private sector support of events to revitalize our nation's capitol and celebrate
that revitalization on February 21, 2000 (President's Day). We will mobilize, lead and
coordinate the efforts of organizations and volunteers nationally to celebrate the 200th
anniversary of the designation of Washington, DC as the nation's capital and recognize
its importance as the symbol of freedom throughout the world.
2.
How do you plan to do this?
With the assistance of Merv Griffin Productions we will launch a national campaign
extolling the nation, its history and its future through activities, projects, events and
programs sponsored or coordinated by NCBC. Some of the activities currently planned
are
An Inaugural-style gala produced by Merv Griffin Productions. This President's
Day weekend will include; a youth parade, a gala, balls, and other activities
similar to a gale.
Celebrating 200 years of accomplishments by staging 2,000 nation-wide events.
These events will involve a cross section of organizations throughout the entire
country. Events such as; historic reenactment ceremonies, a tall ships visit to
Washington, a children's parade, and a world's fair around the city are just a few
examples.
Launch a "Progress through Partnership" campaign to forge relationships with
prominent corporations, organizations and individuals.
Creation of the George Washington Visitor's Center at the base of the Washington
Monument to commemorate the man, the nation, and its people. This will be an
interactive center providing a comfortable and convenient place for visitors to
gather before touring the monument.
3.
Are any other groups participating in these activities with NCBC?
Yes. To date. they include:
National Trust for Historic Preservation
National Geographic Foundation
National Gallery of Art
Corcoran Gallery of Art
American Association of Museums
Federation of DC Associations
Porks and History Association
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US National Park Service
Colonial Williamsburg
Smithsonian Institution
Heritage US
Association for State and Local History
Library of Congress
The World Bank
Historical Society of Washington, DC
US Capitol Historical Society
US 'COMOS
Potomac Heritage Partnership
Georgetown Heritage Trust
The American Society of Le Souvenir Francais
Washington Regional Network
Anacostia Historical Society
Alexandria Seaport Foundation
DC Preservation League
American Architectural Foundation
Accokech Foundation
LeDroit Park Preservation Society
DC Historic Preservation Office
US Navy Memorial Foundation
Georgetown University
George Washington University
Society of the Cincinnati
Washington Gas
Corps of Engineers
4.
How is a celebration going to fix the District's enormous problems?
This organization is not just about a celebration-that is just one component. It is about
educating the public on America's heritage through program initiatives, and discussion
groups, panels and forums. It is about encouraging private businesses to sponsor
individual neighborhoods in their revitalization efforts. It is about restoring the pride in
our nation's capital so that its reputation as a city is restored to a point that matches its
reputation as a symbol of power, freedom and democracy.
A celebration will not fix the District's difficulties. It will, however, bring attention to the
progress being made, encourage participation by the private sector, and promote DC's
travel and tourism industry-a key job supplier.
5.
Are you proposing another monument for Washington, D.C.?
This is not a memorial or monument, George Washington already has one, rather it is a
functioning facility with a distinct purpose. It will not be obtrusive in any way. The
plans call for the Center to be constructed below grade-under ground-and near the
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Monument. Heritage US has invested a great deal of time and effort researching and
developing the plans for this interactive center.
6.
What is the source of your funding?
Heritage US, the founding organization of NCBC, has over the years received funding
from a number of foundations, local and federal agencies, and corporations (i.e. The
Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation has been a major supporter along with the
Dorothea DeSchweinitz Fund). Burson-Marsteller has provided an in-kind contribution
of their public relations services. NCBC is in the process of recruiting corporate sponsors
along with a National Chairman. Currently, NCBC is an organization of volunteers.
7.
How will this benefit the city?
The District of Columbia endures a lot of criticism. This organization's agenda is to
bring attention to and support for all revitalization efforts including those proposed by
President Clinton. The celebration in the year 2000 will be a culmination of these efforts
and mark a new beginning of a revitalized nation's capital. Also, with the "Progress
through Partnership" program, private businesses will sponsor neighborhood
improvement programs, and educational/cultural initiatives. The improvements made in
these areas will be of lasting benefit to the city.
8.
is the DC City Council involved? Eleanor Holmes Norton?
The City Council and Eleanor Holmes Norton are aware of NCBC. NCBC will draw
attention to and promote the revitalization efforts currently underway. The agendas of the
two groups complement each other.
9.
What will it cost?
We are currently working on budgets for all activities.
11
How can people join?
By calling (202) 338-6222 or writing to:
Nation's Capitol Bicentennial Celebration
P.O. Box 3567
Washington, DC 20007
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NATION'S CAPITAL BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Outreach and Coordination with America's Promise
technology, interactive exhibits, and educational media. This 21st century facility will
serve the 20 million visitors who come to the Washington Mall every year. and many
more by the information links that are being created.
Involvement of National Organizations
The Progress through Parmership Campaign - A number of prominent national groups
have already expressed a desire to become active participants in the Nation's Capital
Bicentennial Celebration or have already participated with NCBC's founding
organizations. These organizations share NCBC's goal of protecting and preserving our
national history. They include:
National Trust for Historic
US ICOMOS
Preservation
Potomac Heritage Partnership
National Geographic Foundation
First Night, International
National Gallery of Art
Georgetown Heritage Trust
Corcoran Gallery of Art
The American Society of Le Souvenir
American Association of Museums
Français
DC Federation of Citizens Associations
Washington Regional Network
Parks and History Association
American Architectural Foundation
US National Park Service
Anacostia Historical Society
Colonial Williamsburg
Alexandria Seaport Foundation
Smithsonian Institution
Accokeek Foundation
Heritage US
LeDroit Park Preservation Society
Association for State and Local History
DC Historic Preservation Office
Library of Congress
DC Preservation League
The World Bank
US Navy Memorial Foundation
The California Sesquicentennial
Georgetown University
Commission
George Washington University
Historical Society of Washington, DC
Society of the Cincinatti
US Capitol Historical Society
U.S. Corps of Engineers
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NATION'S CAPITAL BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Outreach and Coordination with America's Promise
The Nation's Capital Bicentennial Celebration
Nation's
In the year 2000, Washington, DC will celebrate the bicentennial of its inauguration as
Capital
the capital of the United States. In that year, America will reflect on its role as the
Bicentennial
world's greatest democracy. celebrate the city as a shining symbol of freedom for
Celebration
millions around the globe. and renew the Capital's sense of pride and purpose for
America as the world prepares for a new century.
The Nation's Capital Bicentennial Celebration (NCBC) will act as a not-for-profit.
private sector umbrella organization and catalyst for the revitalization efforts that are
underway: will focus on education, history, and economic development: and will
highlight the themes of government, tourism, information, culture, health, the
environment, transportation, commerce, and other shared interests. The 200th
anniversary celebration will emphasize this mission by providing private sector
leadership, motivating and organizing individual and community participation. and
recognizing and praising accomplishments.
NCBC is preparing to launch a national campaign extolling the nation, its people, its
traditions, and its history through a year-long schedule of activities, projects, and
programs. This project is being designed for adults and children families, school
groups, clubs, community organizations, citizens, and visitors - and is conceived in
Olympic styled proportion.
NCBC's work will complement revitalization efforts already being planned including
President Clinton's proposed Millennium Projects. the DC Economic Development
Corporation, the National Capital Infrastructure Commission, and a variety of
community based projects. As a grass roots organization, NCBC is launching a
"Progress through Partnership Campaign" to forge relationships with prominent
corporations, broaden ties with civic and community organizations, and establish the
participation and commitment of key leaders.
Project Scope and Commitment
The support of the goals of the Nation's Capital Bicentennial Celebration (NCBC) runs
deep. Individuals across our great county have expressed an emotional tie and deep
respect for Washington. DC. A recent survey conducted by The Wirthlin Group.
indicated that an overwhelming 94% believe it is important that our nation's capital be
viewed positively and 88% of the respondents thought it important to revitalize the
capital. In fact. 61% said capital revitalization should bc a priority of the U.S. Congress.
Americans are also willing to take matters into their own hands -- 42% said they are
NCBC
individually willing to volunteer and/or contribute to the effort.
PO Box 200
This individual. community, and nationwide support is 3 key component for success.
Washington, DC
Significant corporate sponsorship will also be required to implement the NCBC mission.
20044-0200
This critical financial support will provide NCBC with the tools to expand its network
Phone
and to participate with national and local organizations who share the NCBC vision and
20233862222
pursuit of common goals.
202.338.4433
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NATION'S CAPITAL BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Outreach and Coordination with America's Promise
America's Promise and NCBC
Because of their common commitment to revitalization, team building. corporate and
community participation, and 3 long standing focus on children and education, many of
NCBC's initiatives for the nation's capital complement and reflect the five fundamental
resources and goals of America's Promise.
NCBC's programs are organized into four categories:
1. participatory and celebratory events - largely self-funding corporate sponsor and
volunteer events,
2. commitment and partnership projects - projects that require corporate.
institutional, and individual donations and partnerships or are jointly organized with
partnership groups, e.g. the Smithsonian,
3. revitalization seed money - community project seed money or in-kind technical
support for revitalization projects,
4. endowment projects - projects created and endowed as a legacy to carry the NCBC
mission forward.
While many of these NCBC's programs are in an early planning stage, below are a
number of initiatives that are compatible with the central goals of America's Promise.
A marketable skill through effective education:
Bicentennial Project School Partnerships: NCBC will create partnerships between
specific schools and specific bicentennial events and will work with each school and
its student leaders to promote volunteer organization, communication, problem
solving, initiative.
Facentennial Celebration Youth Participation: NCBC will require a fixed
percentage of youth participation in the implementation of all corporate sponsored
celebratory events.
Computers-in-Classrooms. NCBC will create information technology ties between
school children throughout the City and a state-of-the-art visitors center at the
И ashington Monument.
Teaching With Historic Places: NCBC will create innovative educational forums for
teaching -- historical reenactments, historic trails, teachers guides.
Bicentennial Intern and Apprentice Programs: NCBC will establish intern student
programs through its partner organizations and historic rehabilitation vocational
programs through its celebratory events.
Bicentennial Teamwork Scholarships: NCBC will establish a scholarship programs -
- such as its historic trail passport project -- to promote learning, education. and team
participation.
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NATION'S CAPITAL BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
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An opportunity to give back through their own service to the community
NCBC Sponsor's Commitments: NCBC will sponsor numerous projects during the
bicentennial year celebration that will engage volunteers of all ages and many
communities - 100,000 volunteers, 500,000 contributors, and 30 million
visitor/participants in the year 2000.
A caring adult - mentor, teacher, coach
NCBC Bicentennial Volunteer Network: NCBC will act as a clearing house for adult
and youth volunteers for all bicentennial events during the celebration year.
Bicentennial Celebration Projects: NCBC will create events that will engage caring
adult and children's groups such as Boys and Girls Clubs, DC Cares, Boy and Girl
Scouts in afterschool learning activities, sporting activities, interactive programs. and
heritage tourism and celebration projects.
Safe places and structured activities
Neighborhood Historic Centers: NCBC proposes to be a catalyst for the creation of
neighborhood historic district visitor centers that will double as "safe places" for
structured after-school activities. This is envisioned to be in partnership with the
city-wide Recreation Department and an on-going program to involve children in
their neighborhood.
Nation's Capital Invitational Golf Tournament: NCBC is in partnership with
Langston Golf Course to create a legacy project that will provide expanded
clubhouse facilities for mentoring children in sports programs.
Nation's Capital Bicentennial Celebration/First Night, Washington, D.C. Host a
family-based alcohol- and drug-free New Year's Eve celebration of the arts.
A healthy start and a healthy future
Historic Trails: NCBC will create a number of historic walking. hiking. and biking
trails; teacher guides: and packaged outing programs.
Bicentennial Sporting: NCBC will organize a number of world class and co-
sponsored celebratory sporting events
NCBC Activities, Events, and Historic Resource Programs
The 200th anniversary celebration will consist of special events, coordinated activities.
sponsored programs, and specialized projects. A sampling of proposed activities and
historic resources are outlined below:
New Years Eve Millennium Gala
Theater Performances:
Train Across America
- Kennedy Center
Independence Day Celebration
- Ford's Theater
City-wide International Fair
- National Theater
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NATION'S CAPITAL BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
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Volunteer 2000 Day
- Wolf Trap
President's Day Ceremony
- Warner Theater
Antique Show & Sale
- Constitution Hall
Historic Reenactment Ceremony
- Shakespeare Theater
Bike Ride & Race
Time Capsule
Tall Ships Parade
Cherry Blossom Ball
First Night International - Washington Partner
State Pride Tour
Salute to the Military - A Freedom Festival
Homecoming 2000
Internet Festival
Heritage Rivers Day
Nation's Capital Invitation Golf Tournament
National Park Service Week
American Discovery Trail
Naval History Trail
The George Washington Memorial Trail
Native American Trail
Early Roadways Trail
Maritime and Canal Trail
Underground Railroad Trail
Hispanic Heritage Trail
Jewish Heritage Trail
Women's Heritage Trail
L'Enfant Trail
Lafayette Trail
The French King's Trail in America
deTocqueville Democracy Trail
Manifest Destiny Trail
Asian American Heritage Trail
Lincoln Trail
Frederick Douglass Trail
Civil War Trail
War of 1812 Trail
City of Washington 1800 Trail
Heritage Tourism Highways
Heritage Computer Games
State Celebration Committees
Community Projects and Programs
Programs and projects will celebrate the bicentennial with activities and events designed
to promote ongoing revitalization and continued economic development. NCBC
involvement. promotion, and support will extend into the following:
Educational Grants and Scholarships
The George Washington Center
Literacy Programs
December Holiday Programs
Museum and Art Education Programs
Children's Programs
Historic Neighborhood Refurbishing
Wellness Programs
Athletic Programs
Traveling DC Exhibit
Commissioned "Placemaker" Art
Vestpocket Parks
Urban Heritage Tourism
Regional Heritage Tourism
The George Washington Center
As a lasting -- and living -- recognition of the historic moment when our Founding
Fathers established the nation's capital. NCBC wishes to create and endow a state-of-the-
art visitor's center at the Washington Monument. This educational facility will link the
Monument to classrooms and centers of inquiry around the city. the nation, and the
globe. sharing with them the multiplicity of events that make up the American
experience. Designated The George Washington Center, this facility will be oriented
toward citizens and visitors alike, with a particular focus on providing educational value
to our children. It will be an information technology showcase. incorporating the latest
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Nation's
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Bicentennial
Celebration