History Happy Hour: The Making of Brief the Chief

In April 2024, the White House Historical Association and iCivics launched a new, online learning game called Brief the Chief. For more than a year, Rubenstein Center staff worked with their counterparts to conceptualize, develop, and research all components of the game. Players step into the role of presidential advisor for three different administrations – Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Lyndon Johnson. As they take on the job, players must interact with a variety of historic figures while asking good questions to gain insight and perspective into specific historic moments. At the end, they make a recommendation to the president based on the evidence and learn what these historic presidents did under these circumstances.

Hosting this session is Roy Salame, Ex-JPMorgan Vice Chairman Investment Banking-Global Commodities; Board Advisor. Joining Roy is Dr. Matthew Costello, Chief Education Officer and Director of the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History. Dr. Costello will discuss the origins of this partnership and game, the process, and how Brief the Chief will transform the Association’s educational reach to students, teachers, and learners of all ages.

Come join us for History Happy Hour on Thursday September 12th at 6:00 p.m. ET, to learn more about the creation of this new civics game and the Rubenstein Center’s work to engage students about the presidency and the people that shape history!