Club History: Calvin Coolidge speaks, nation listens

February 4, 1955: Louis Lautier, writer for the Atlanta Daily World and the National Negro Press Association, breaks the racial barrier at the National Press Club, becoming the first African-American admitted to membership, in a secret vote. In 2004, Sheila Cherry becomes the first African-American elected president of the Club.

February 5, 1929: The National Press Club moves to its new building at Fourteenth and F Streets N.W., and President Calvin Coolidge dedicates the building. His remarks are broadcast nationally.

February 7, 1911: Actress Sarah Bernhardt tells the Club she owes a lot to the press.

This Week in National Press Club History is brought to you by the History & Heritage Committee, which is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the Club’s history through displays, panel discussions, events and its long-standing oral history project.