WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Author and journalist A'Lelia Bundles has been elected Chair and President of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for the National Archives.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120110/DC32676)

Bundles, who succeeds Ken Lore, was elected to serve a three-year term, beginning January 1, 2012.

The Foundation is an independent nonprofit that serves as the private-sector partner of the National Archives in the creation of the National Archives Experience, which includes permanent exhibitions, educational programs, web sites, traveling exhibits, special events and screenings, educational literature, and historical/records-related products and media. The Foundation helps the public understand the importance of the National Archives in our democracy by presenting the depth and diversity of the records it holds in trust for the American people. It generates financial and creative support for the National Archives Experience from individuals, foundations, and corporations who share a belief in the importance of innovative civics education.

"We are all honored and delighted that A'Lelia is assuming Foundation leadership responsibilities," said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. "Her history of scholarship, media sophistication, and passion for the mission of the National Archives will serve us well."

Thora Colot, Executive Director of the Foundation for the National Archives, said: "We welcome A'Lelia at a critical time for the Foundation, as we look to expand and enhance our support of the National Archives to serve both museum visitors and researchers. Under her leadership, and with the support of our major donors, we plan to open a new introduction to research and retail space at the National Archives Building in Washington later this year, and we look forward in 2013 to the opening of a new David M. Rubenstein Gallery at the Archives, which will be the new home for the 1297 Magna Carta as well as permanent exhibitions focusing on the rights of women, African-Americans, and immigrants."

Bundles became involved with the Foundation for the National Archives in 2005 and most recently served as an officer and on the board's Executive Committee.

"Every time I enter the doors of the National Archives, I'm struck by the magic and the magnitude of this institution," she said. "As the repository for the Magna Carta and the Charters of Freedom, as well as the documents that tell the family stories of all Americans, we embody the strengths and aspirations of our nation. I'm honored to serve as chair of the board with a passionate group of board members, a talented staff, and a visionary Archivist. I'm truly excited about our 2012 exhibits and the opportunities that the new gallery and retail spaces will create for us to reach even more visitors and researchers in 2013."

After a 30-year career as a network television news producer and executive with ABC News and NBC News, Bundles now is president of the Madam Walker/A'Lelia Walker Family Archives, the largest private collection of Walker photographs, business records, letters, clothing, furniture and personal artifacts. On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker, her best-selling biography of her great-great-grandmother, was named a New York Times Notable Book. She is currently at work on her third book, Joy Goddess of Harlem: The Life and Times of A'Lelia Walker, a biography of her great-grandmother.

In addition to her work with the Foundation for the National Archives, Bundles serves as a Columbia University trustee, on the board of the Madam Walker Theatre Center of Indianapolis, and on the Radcliffe Institute's Schlesinger Library Council at Harvard.

Bundles graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and Radcliffe College and received a master's degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She lives in Washington, D.C.

About the Foundation for the National Archives
The Foundation for the National Archives is an independent nonprofit that serves as the National Archives' private-sector partner in the creation of and ongoing support of the National Archives Experience, which includes permanent exhibits, educational programs, traveling exhibits, special events and film screenings, and historical/records-related products, publications, and media. The Foundation helps the public understand the importance of the holdings of the National Archives by presenting the depth and diversity of the records through award-winning, interactive educational exhibits and programs. It generates financial and creative support for the National Archives Experience from individuals, foundations, and corporations who share a belief in the importance of innovative civics education.

About the National Archives Experience
The National Archives Experience, created by the National Archives in partnership with the Foundation for the National Archives, has transformed the visitor experience at the National Archives' Washington, DC building, and includes a renovated Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, the award-winning Public Vaults permanent interactive exhibition, the William G. McGowan Theater, the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery for special exhibits, and the Boeing Learning Center. In addition, the Foundation has taken the Archives nationwide through online initiatives such as the Digital Vaults online exhibit and DocsTeach, a web-based educational resource. These components make the rich resources of the National Archives accessible to Americans nationwide.

SOURCE Foundation for the National Archives