[applause] good evening and welcome to the New York Historical society but im the New York Historical president and ceo and thrilled to see all of you this evening in our beautiful Robert H Smith auditorium. Tonights Program Gives me liberty, history of americas exceptional idea is a part of our Bernard Schwartz established Speaker Series and as always i k like to thank mr. Schwartz or his great generosity which is enabled us to bring so many fine speakers to this stage and i also want to thank all of our Chairman Council members who are in attendance as evening and to thankk you for your great suppot which enables us to do our work. Tonights program will last about one hour and it will include a question answer session but you should have received a note card and pencil as you entered the auditorium and this afternoon or this evening and it is not my colleagues going up and down the aisle with note cards and pencils in the note card will be collected later on in the program with your