[Key West, Florida] —Five descendants of U.S. presidents came together Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, Fla., for the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation’s annual Presidential Descendants Forum. Presented in partnership with the Society of Presidential Descendants, this year’s event, themed, “The Legacy of President Carter,” offered a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, service, and responsible governance.
Leading the program were Amy Carter, daughter of President Jimmy Carter, and grandsons James Earl Carter IV and Josh Carter, who spoke about their family’s enduring commitment to public service and humanitarian work. They commemorated Carter, who passed away at age 100 in late 2024, centering on his and his late wife Rosalynn’s lifelong dedication to human rights and compassion, and how those values continue to shape their endeavors today.
The discussion also featured Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President Gerald R. Ford, and Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of President Harry S. Truman, who offered insights on stewarding presidential legacies and their ancestors’ shared belief in integrity and coalition building regardless of political party. Together, the panelists underscored that leadership extends well beyond elected office through service, advocacy, and public engagement, reflecting on moments of fellowship, shared experience, and the spirit of fraternity and mutual support that continues to unite them.
Reflecting on her father’s lifetime of dedication, Amy Carter recalled: “He really was a man of service, basically from the moment he was born.” Building on this legacy, James Earl Carter IV highlighted the opportunities of his grandfather’s later years: “He said the best job he ever had was being a former president, because he was able to use the fame that gave him to accomplish things he couldn’t as president.”
According to Josh Carter, Jimmy Carter’s post-presidency efforts included a highly successful Guinea worm disease eradication program, resulting in near-total eradication, and travels to North Korea and Liberia to promote peace. “He would go anywhere if he could plant the seeds of peace,” he said.
Through these reflections, the Carters emphasized the enduring principles of service, integrity, and leadership that defined their forebear’s legacy, as well as the partnership between Jimmy and Rosalynn—a bond that shaped their family life, political journey, and lifelong humanitarian work.
The Forum was moderated by Dr. Kurt Graham, president of the Adams Presidential Center and Foundation, who guided a thoughtful exchange blending personal reflection with historical perspective.
Held at the site where President Truman spent 11 working vacations between 1945 and 1953, the annual Presidential Descendants Forum is recognized as one of the nation’s most distinctive civic and historical Presidents’ Weekend gatherings.
Presented in part by the not-for-profit Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Presidential Families Weekend and Forum events continue through Monday with two performances of the one-man play “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry,” starring Daniel as his grandfather, and a Monday Presidents Day cookout.
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Presidential Descendants Forum Photo Captions:
1:
Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman, right, shares an anecdote with fellow presidential descendants at the 2026 Presidents’ Day Weekend, Presidential Descendants Forum at the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, Fla., on Saturday, Feb. 14. Left to right: Amy Carter, daughter of 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and his grandsons, James Earl Carter IV and Josh Carter; and Susan Ford Bales, daughter of 38th U.S. President Gerald Ford. (Photo: Carol Tedesco – Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation)
2:
President Jimmy Carter’s daughter Amy Carter and his grandson James Earl Carter IV react to a comment made by grandson Josh Carter during the 2026 Presidents’ Day Weekend, Presidential Descendants Forum at the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, Fla., on Saturday, Feb. 14. The three were among five presidential descendants participating in a moderated conversation on President Carter’s legacy.
3:
Amy Carter, daughter of President Jimmy Carter, center, and his grandsons James Earl Carter IV, left, and Josh Carter, right, shared a moment of camaraderie at President Harry S. Truman’s poker table at the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, Fla., on Saturday, Feb., 14. The three were part of a quintet of presidential descendants participating in a moderated discussion on President Carter’s legacy during Presidents’ Day Weekend at the Little White House.
4:
Five presidential descendants gathered with family members in the living area of the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, Fla., ahead of the 2026 Presidents’ Day Weekend, Presidential Descendants Forum on Saturday, Feb. 14. Left to right: Sarah Jane Carter, wife of President Carter grandson Josh Carter; sons Charlie, 12, and Jonathan, 7; Josh Carter, grandson of President Carter; Amy Carter, daughter of President Carter; James Earl Carter IV, grandson of President Carter; Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President Gerald Ford; and Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of President Harry S. Truman.