Timeline

Sunnylands in History

Sunnylands emerged onto the world stage when the historic estate was completed in 1966. It has since welcomed eight U.S. presidents and world leaders, noted intellectuals, celebrities, and friends and family. On many occasions, guests have engaged in dialogue that led to efforts to enhance international understanding and civil discourse.

2019
January 3 - 6

Civil rights luminaries, including members of Martin Luther King Jr.'s inner circle, convene at Sunnylands.

2016
February 15 - 16

President Barack Obama convenes leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at Sunnylands.

2014
February 14

President Obama meets King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

2013
November

Key leaders from science, government, NGOs, and industry meet to discuss the future of AIDS research.

2013
September

Sunnylands-Aspen Institute Task Force on Streamlining and Consolidating Congressional Oversight of the US Department of Homeland Security releases report.

2013
June 7 - 8

President Barack Obama hosts President Xi Jinping of China for an informal meeting deemed a "shirtsleeve summit."

2012
March

Sunnylands and the Woodrow Wilson Center convene a high-level retreat on US-Mexico relations.

2003
December

California’s governor and bipartisan congressional leaders meet.

1993
December

The Annenbergs announce a $500 million donation to the American public school system.

1990
March

President George H. W. Bush hosts an official White House dinner for Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu of Japan.

1990
March

The Annenbergs announce a $50 million gift to the United Negro College Fund in a ceremony with President George Bush.

1988
January

President Ronald Reagan signs a free trade agreement with Canada, a precursor to NAFTA, and announces it to the nation from Sunnylands.

1986
January

President Ronald Reagan exchanges televised New Year's greetings with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev watching on the TV in the Room of Memories.

1983
February

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll and HRH Prince Philip visit Sunnylands.

1976
July

Frank and Barbara Sinatra marry at Sunnylands.

1974
September 8

President Richard Nixon finds a refuge at Sunnylands, after President Gerald Ford issues a pardon for Nixon's involvement in the Watergate scandal.

1974
January

President Richard Nixon drafts his final State of the Union Address while visiting Sunnylands.

1968
December

Walter and Leonore Annenberg hosted the Republican Governors Association at Sunnylands.

1966
March

Sunnylands welcomes its first guests, among whom was President Dwight D. Eisenhower.