SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

White House Historical Association Director John Riley will address guest, supporters, local political officials and others at The American Village’s annual assembly on Nov. 17.

That is the day the civic education center will celebrate its sixth anniversary.

Riley will focus on the White House as &8220;Home, Office and National Symbol.&8221;

Since 1998, Riley has served as director of education and scholarship programs for the White House Historical Association.

He previously served acting director of collections, historian and archivist at Historic Mount Vernon.

Riley received his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and his master’s degree from George Mason University, both in American history.

The meeting will also showcase several upcoming developments at the Village including an update on the Southern Living Showcase House which is set to open and be featured in the October 2006 Southern Living magazine.

The house is inspired by the country’s first presidential residence in Philadelphia from 1790-1800.

An update on the proposed National Veteran’s Cemetery is also on the meeting agenda.

Guests are invited to a 9 a.m. coffee reception at Washington Hall that will be followed by the 10 a.m. assembly program in Washington Hall.

There is no admission fee