An estate of living history
Sunnylands emerged onto the world stage when the historic estate was completed in 1966. It has since welcomed eight U.S. presidents and other 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.
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2023November 4-7
Former Secretary of State John Kerry, then the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, and his Chinese counterpart, Minister Xie Zhenhua, issue an historic agreement to reduce methane emissions.
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2019January 3-6
Just days before Dr. Martin Luther King would have turned 90, members of the slain civil rights leader’s inner circle, including singer Joan Baez and the Rev. Gerald Durley, convene at Sunnylands.
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2016February 15-16
U.S. President Barack Obama convenes leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at Sunnylands. It is the first meeting of ASEAN countries on U.S. soil.
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2014February 14
U.S. President Barack Obama greets King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the entrance to the Sunnylands residence.
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2013November
Key leaders from science, government, NGOs, and industry convene in the living room at Sunnylands discussing the future of AIDS research.
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2013September
The Sunnylands-Aspen Institute Task Force on Streamlining and Consolidating Congressional Oversight of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security convene at Sunnylands and release a report.
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2013June 7-8
U.S. President Barack Obama hosts President Xi Jinping of China at Sunnylands for an informal meeting deemed a “shirtsleeves summit.”
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2012March
Sunnylands and the Woodrow Wilson Center convene a high-level retreat on U.S.–Mexico relations at the historic residence.
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2003December
Bipartisan California leaders, including Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, meet at the Sunnylands residence with Leonore Annenberg (center).
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1993December
Walter Annenberg announces his $500 million pledge to U.S. public schools.
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1990March
U.S. President George H. W. Bush hosts an official White House dinner at Sunnylands for Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu of Japan.
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1990March
Walter and Leonore Annenberg announce a $50 million grant to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in a ceremony at Sunnylands with U.S. President George H.W. Bush.
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1988January
U.S. President Ronald Reagan signs a free trade agreement with Canada, a precursor to NAFTA, and announces it to the nation from Sunnylands.
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1986January
In the Room of Memories, U.S. President Ronald Reagan watches a New Year’s greeting to the American people from Soviet Union General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev.
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1983February
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll of the United Kingdom and HRH Prince Philip visit Sunnylands.
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1976July
Celebrity singer Frank Sinatra marries his fourth wife, Barbara, at Sunnylands.
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1974September
U.S. President Richard Nixon finds refuge at Sunnylands after President Gerald Ford issues a pardon for Nixon’s involvement in the Watergate scandal.
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1974January
U.S. President Richard Nixon drafts his final State of the Union Address while visiting Sunnylands.
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1968December
Walter and Leonore Annenberg host the Republican Governors Association at Sunnylands.
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1966March
Sunnylands welcomes its first guests, among whom was U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.