National Press Club (United States)

National Press Club
FormationMarch 29, 1908 (1908-03-29)
TypePress club
Location
Websitewww.press.org

The National Press Club is a professional organization and social community in Washington, D.C. for journalists and communications professionals. It hosts public and private gatherings with invited speakers from public life. The club also offers event space to outside groups to host business meetings, news conferences, industry gatherings, and social events. It was founded in 1908.

External audio
Sample of Luncheon Speakers
National Press Club Luncheon Speakers, Harry S. Truman, four press conferences – May 10, 1954, April 12, 1958, December 8, 1958, November 2, 1961, Library of Congress
National Press Club Luncheon Speakers, A. Philip Randolph, August 26, 1963, 55:17, Randolph speaks starting at 4:56 about the forthcoming March on Washington, Library of Congress
National Press Club Luncheon Speakers, James H. Billington, January 12, 1989, 57:46, Billington speaks starting at 6:33, Library of Congress

The club has been visited by most U.S. presidents; since Warren Harding, many have also been members and spoken from the club's podium. Others who have appeared at the club include monarchs, prime ministers, premiers, members of Congress, Cabinet officials, ambassadors, scholars, entertainers, business leaders, and athletes. The club's emblem is the owl, in deference to wisdom, awareness and nights spent working.