Westmont Magazine An Event for the History Book

Author David McCullough Speaks at the First Annual President’s Breakfast

Pulitzer-prize winning author David McCullough spoke to 801 people at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Hotel for the First Annual President’s Breakfast Feb. 10. Tickets to hear the well-loved writer, whose books have never gone out of print, sold out quickly. McCullough didn’t disappoint and inspired the audience with his thoughtful, humorous and insightful reflections on “The Spirit of 1776: Then and Now.” The Westmont Foundation sponsored the event.

Drawing on the masterful storytelling evident in “1776,” “John Adams” and “Truman,” McCullough spoke of the importance of history and the danger of raising a generation ignorant of America’s past. He encouraged attendees to teach history to their children and grandchildren, to take them to historical sites. He also praised the nation’s founders: “We are softies compared to them,” he said.

The audience included a “who’s who of Santa Barbara,” according to the Santa Barbara News-Press. Politicians, educators and community and business leaders crowded into the packed ballroom.

McCullough also spoke in Convocation at Westmont, answering questions by a panel of three students.