The Society of Presidential Descendants was conceived during a White House Historical Association event in Washington, D.C. There, Tweed Roosevelt – great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt – and Massee McKinley – a descendant of President Grover Cleveland – recognized a unique absence: although many presidential families had long maintained private associations or informal networks, no national organization existed to bring together the descendants, both direct and collateral, of America’s presidents.
From that conversation emerged a bold idea: to create a unifying forum for individuals whose lives are inextricably linked by their shared heritage – a heritage rooted in the lives and leadership of the 45 men who have shaped the office of the presidency. Thus, the Society of Presidential Descendants was born.
Today, housed at Long Island University’s Roosevelt School, the Society embodies a vibrant and growing institution committed to honoring the past while shaping the future. Its mission is carried out through three central pillars:
Foster Community
Descent from an American president is an uncommon and historically significant bond – one that spans generations, geographies, and political affiliations. The Society serves as a living bridge among these families, creating a national network where members can connect over shared ancestry, civic values, and personal stories.
Through national reunions, member spotlights, and intimate gatherings at presidential homes and historic sites, the Society cultivates a strong sense of belonging and mutual respect. These events offer descendants the opportunity to celebrate family traditions, explore their unique place in American history, and reflect on the enduring legacy of public service.
In fostering this community, the Society strengthens intergenerational ties and builds a space where history is not only remembered, but also actively lived and shared.
Promote Education
The Society champions rigorous scholarship and public engagement with the American presidency – its origins, its evolution, and its influence on contemporary civic life. In partnership with educational institutions, including its academic home at Long Island University, the Society supports programming that deepens understanding of presidential leadership and legacy.
Initiatives include speaker series, fellowships, curriculum development, and the recognition of outstanding books and articles that illuminate the presidency’s ongoing relevance. The Society is also committed to making these educational resources accessible to wider audiences, from students and scholars to history enthusiasts and the general public.
By fostering intellectual curiosity and critical inquiry, the Society helps ensure that the lessons of the presidency are preserved and passed down with thoughtfulness, nuance, and integrity.
Preserve Legacy
Presidential families hold a unique role in safeguarding the intimate and often untold stories behind some of the most pivotal moments in American history. The Society is dedicated to preserving this legacy for future generations.
Through initiatives such as oral history projects, digital archives, historic preservation efforts, and commemorative events, members contribute to a broader national memory. Whether restoring a family home, recording first-hand accounts, or supporting museum exhibitions, the Society works to protect the personal and cultural heritage of the presidency.
In doing so, it affirms the significance of these stories—not as relics of the past, but as vital touchstones that continue to shape American identity, leadership, and democratic ideals.
Together, these three pillars—community, education, and legacy—form the foundation of the Society of Presidential Descendants. Rooted in history but oriented toward the future, the Society offers a singular platform where those connected by presidential lineage can honor their heritage, contribute to civic life, and inspire future generations to engage with the principles that have guided the American presidency for over two centuries.