November 9, 2025

2025 Churchill Conference – Thank you to attendees & sponsors

Washington, D.C. gave us three extraordinary days that were shaped by substance, civility, and community. On behalf of the International Churchill Society, thank you to every speaker, sponsor, member, and guest who made the Forty-Second International Churchill Conference such a memorable success. Your engagement, questions, and good humor created the atmosphere that defines this gathering year after year.

From deep dives into Churchill history to reflections on his impact today, the program delivered both intellectual rigor and practical insight. Sessions on “Churchill at War,” the craft of leadership, and the making of public memory invited us to test ideas against evidence and experience. Scholars, authors, diplomats, military leaders, and journalists met a global audience that came ready to listen, debate, and learn together.

Washington’s venues framed the story beautifully. Anderson House opened the conference with grace and a touch of Churchill history. The British Ambassador’s Residence brought that history back to Churchill as we capped off the first full day of the conference at a location where Churchill often ended his evenings on stays in Washington, D.C. A last-minute move to an awe-inspiring venue – the black-tie gala at Washington National Cathedral provided an unforgettable finale. Under its soaring arches, the sense of place and purpose reminded us why we gather and why Churchill’s example still instructs and inspires. We crossed through the Winston Churchill porch and were seated under the cathedral nave for an amazing conversation with General H.R. McMaster and Robert Costa. A truly memorable ending!

We are grateful to our speakers who shared their expertise with candor and generosity. Highlights included Daniel Yergin on strategic vision and the global energy landscape; Arthur Herman delivering the Stephen and Jane Poss Distinguished Churchill Lecture; Jonathan Rose on literary Churchill and leadership; Evan Thomas in conversation on biography and decision-making; and a timely exchange with Ann Compton and Kate Andersen Brower on “Presidents and Prime Ministers.” Film director Malcolm Venville and helped us consider leadership under pressure through Netflix’s “Churchill at War,” while Allister Vale, M.D., explored Churchill’s health in Washington with rigor and clarity. Jill Eicher brought fresh perspective with “Mellon versus Churchill.” An update from America’s National Churchill Museum, along with presentations by The Queen’s Royal Hussars and Randolph Churchill on the Normandy British Memorial, connected the program to living institutions and ongoing remembrance.

None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors. Your partnership sustains ICS programming all year, from our publications and educational initiatives to public events and the convenings that keep Churchill’s legacy alive and relevant. Thank you for investing in serious conversation and for helping us reach new audiences.

Relive the moments and share them with friends and colleagues. Explore the photo gallery here. Full conference sessions are available on the ICS YouTube channel. Please subscribe to be notified as additional podcasts and videos go live!

If you would like to connect with fellow attendees and keep up with ICS events and activities between conferences, the best way to do this is to join us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. These channels are the best way to stay current on new programs, articles, and announcements throughout the year, as well as engage in conversations and connect with friends in the ICS world.

Thank you once more to everyone who traveled, spoke, asked hard questions, and cheered one another on in Washington. The Forty-Second International Churchill Conference affirmed that Churchill’s courage, wit, and statesmanship still offer a usable past for the challenges of our own time. We look forward to seeing you next year in Philadelphia!