Name: Don’t Tell the President: The Best, Worst, and Mostly Untold Stories from Presidential Advance
Start: 2026-10-08
End: 2026-10-08

The Gerald R. Ford Library collects, preserves, and makes accessible to the public a rich body of archival materials on U.S. domestic issues, foreign relations, and political affairs during the Cold War era, focusing on the Ford administration.

The Library is available to rent and serves as a unique historic event space, a hidden gem in Ann Arbor. Conveniently situated on the University of Michigan's North Campus, it offers a prestigious setting perfect for various functions, from corporate meetings and collegiate receptions to special dinners. With customizable floorplans and both indoor and outdoor areas, the Library can accommodate your vision, whether you're planning an award ceremony, celebratory dinner, poster session, or a corporate conference requiring multiple breakout rooms.

It also offers a wide variety of free public programs with renowned speakers and authors.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library

The Bentley Historical Library collects the materials for and promotes the study of the histories of two great, intertwined institutions, the State of Michigan and the University of Michigan.

The Library is open without fee to the public, and we welcome researchers regardless of academic or professional affiliation.

The Bentley’s 11,000 research collections range from the papers of governors of Michigan, to the records of student and faculty life at the University, to the entire historical record of intercollegiate athletics at Michigan, and much more.

The Library houses a state-of-the-art conservation lab that conserves books, maps, architectural drawings, and other materials. The lab is also where expert archivists and conservators teach conservation techniques and aid in the reformatting of preserved materials.

Bentley Historical Library

The mission of the Duderstadt Gallery is to exhibit the widest range of creative talents from within the University. Exhibits may be either two- or three-dimensional, from art to engineering products, or computer-based interactive displays.

The space consists of a 2,600-square-foot octagonal room fronted by a long glass wall. Exhibitions are free and open to the public.

U-M Gallery at Duderstadt Center

The James and Anne Duderstadt Center, formerly known as the Media Union, opened in 1996 as a special place to provide faculty and students with the tools and collaborative space for creating the future. With 400+ computers available 24/7, the Duderstadt Center is the largest public computing site at the University of Michigan.

It also offers student access to 3D and virtual reality labs, a large video production studio, a state-of-the-art audio recording studio, two electronic music studios and Video conferencing and unique collaboration rooms.

University of Michigan Duderstadt Center

The Jean Paul Slussler Gallery of the University of Michigan exhibits works by students and faculty from the School of Art and Design and the College of Architecture.

Jean Paul Slusser Gallery - U of M School of Art and Design

Student union on North Campus - hosts a wide range of student services nestled between inviting lounges to relax and entertain. A wide range of services can be found there including U-M Credit Union, a computer store, ATMs, a bookstore, a market, and a variety of food choices.

**Photo** **Credit**: Scott C. Soderberg, U-M Photography

University of Michigan Pierpoint Commons

Named after the esteemed playwright and University of Michigan alumnus, the Arthur Miller theatre hosts performances by the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

Arthur Miller Theatre - University Productions

The Wave Field. Designed by artist Maya Lin (best known as the artist who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, and the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, AL), this outdoor waves of earth sculpture is a relaxing place located behind the Francois-Xavier Bagnould Building located on the University of Michigan North Campus.

The Wave Field

Holding over 2,500 pieces of historical and contemporary musical instruments from all over the world, the Stearns Collection is one of the largest accumulations of such artifacts housed in a North American university. It is a rich resource for musical, educational, and cultural needs of the present and future.

U-M Stearns Musical Collection

The mission of The Lunch Room is to prepare high-quality, nutritious vegan food, and to demonstrate the breadth and versatility of plant-based whole foods. The Lunch Room, when possible, uses local and organic produce, makes everything from scratch from fine ingredients, and emphasizes environmental sustainability. The Bakery and Cafe serves baked goods, bagel sandwiches, breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks.

Lunch Room Bakery & Cafe

The [Ann Arbor Sports Commission](https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/ "Ann Arbor Sports Commission") works diligently to improve the quality of life through sports for all of Washtenaw County. The [Ann Arbor area](https://www.annarbor.org/ "Ann Arbor area") attracts both sports enthusiasts and participants alike. Thanks to its [easy accessibility](https://www.annarbor.org/plan/getting-here-getting-around/ "easy accessibility"), [wide range of facilities](https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/facilities-venues/ "wide range of facilities") available and variety of [dining](https://www.annarbor.org/foodanddrink/ "dining") & [entertainment](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/ "entertainment") options, the Ann Arbor area is a favorite of sporting event organizations. The area has a rich sporting culture seeding in the history of two Division 1 athletic programs ([University of Michigan](https://www.annarbor.org/university-of-michigan/ "University of Michigan") and Eastern Michigan University) and several other small institutions. The Ann Arbor Sports was formed to attract amateur sporting events to the Ann Arbor region by assisting organizers every step of the way.

Ann Arbor is a dynamic mix of energy and charm—a bustling university town, a [foodie’s paradise](https://www.annarbor.org/foodanddrink/ "foodie's paradise"), and a cutting-edge tech hub, all wrapped in a [walkable downtown](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/downtown/ "walkable downtown") bursting with [world-class arts and culture](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/ "world-class arts and culture"). Located in Michigan’s southeast Lower Peninsula, Ann Arbor is the heartbeat of a vibrant network of [communities across Washtenaw County](https://www.annarbor.org/surrounding-destinations/ "communities across Washtenaw County"). With its creative spirit, diverse flavors, and unique neighborhoods, Ann Arbor shines as a exciting oasis.

Ann Arbor Sports Commission

Jean Becker and Tom Collamore, both former staffers to President George H. W. Bush, bring together the most harrowing and hilarious stories behind presidential events over the past sixty years, detailing the art of preparation that goes into these delicate, high stress operations and revealing how they have often been one step away from disaster. “Don’t Tell the President” brings together the uproarious chaos of Veep and the grandeur of The West Wing.   
  
Reception and book signing to follow.

Don’t Tell the President: The Best, Worst, and Mostly Untold Stories from Presidential Advance

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