The White House Historical Association Names Dr. Matthew Costello as Chief Education Officer
Washington, D.C. —
The White House Historical Association has named Dr. Matthew Costello as Chief Education Officer to oversee the Association’s education programs, historical research, digital library, public programming, and partnerships. The appointment comes after a national search was undertaken with many extraordinary candidates. The position opening occurred as a result of Dr. Colleen Shogan, former Senior Vice President and Director of the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History, being nominated by President Joe Biden as Archivist of the United States and later confirmed by the United States Senate on May 10, 2023.
Costello joined the Association in 2016 as senior historian before being promoted to assistant director of The David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History in 2019. Earlier this year, he was named interim director of the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History.
“I am honored to serve in this new role for the White House Historical Association. There are many exciting opportunities ahead and I am thrilled to be leading us during this time of incredible growth and transformation,” said Costello.
Passionate about history and education, Costello will work closely with the president of the Association, Stewart McLaurin, while developing and implementing programs and initiatives that engage, inform, and inspire the public. Costello will also serve as a leader and spokesperson regarding the Association’s educational resources and collaborations.
“Matthew is an instrumental member of the Association’s team who has brought knowledge and leadership to our organization. We know he will continue to serve as a dynamic leader and propel the Association’s mission forward,” said Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association.
Matthew holds a doctorate and master’s degree in American history from Marquette University. He received his bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has published two books – The Property of the Nation: George Washington’s Tomb, Mount Vernon, and the Memory of the First President and Mourning the Presidents: Legacy and Loss in American Culture. He was also the project lead for the Slavery in the President’s Neighborhood research initiative.
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First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.
To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.