Former President Jimmy Carter’s milestone birthday celebration was rescheduled due to a possible government shutdown.
As the nation braces for a potential government shutdown by the end of the week, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum has decided to advance its planned festivities for the 39th president’s 99th birthday. The museum has made these adjustments, anticipating that government funding might expire by the end of the day on Saturday, September 30, a day before Jimmy Carter’s birthday.
This unforeseen situation has prompted the Carter Library to make changes to its original schedule. While some activities are still set for Sunday, they are taking precautionary measures to ensure that the celebration goes ahead as planned. The looming shutdown, if it occurs, could have far-reaching consequences, affecting beloved national treasures such as museums and national parks, including some presidential libraries, which would be forced to close.
Tony Clark, the director of public affairs at The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, stated that while certain aspects of the Carter Library are intertwined with the nonprofit Carter Center, the museum itself could potentially be closed during a government shutdown. He explained, “Some libraries have a non-governmental foundation that operates their museum rather than NARA. Those can stay open. The Carter Library works closely with The Carter Center and shares some spaces, but the museum is not one of those. So while we anticipate Congressional funding to resume October 1, if it doesn’t, the government side of the Presidential Center will be closed.”
Unlike some other presidential libraries, such as the George W. Bush and George H. W. Bush libraries, which are expected to remain open, the Carter Library’s situation is more precarious due to its direct association with government funding.
Despite these uncertainties, The Carter Center is determined to celebrate the former president’s 99th birthday. They have asked the public to participate by sharing birthday messages, memories, and tributes that will be featured in a digital and physical mosaic of Jimmy Carter. This mosaic will be displayed across the country as a heartfelt gesture ahead of his birthday on October 1.
Last week, Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, made a public appearance when they took a ride through the Plains Peanut Festival in Plains, Georgia. The Carter Center posted on social media, “Beautiful day for President & Mrs. Carter to enjoy a ride through the Plains Peanut Festival! And just a week before he turns 99. We’re betting peanut butter ice cream is on the menu for lunch.”
In a recent interview with People magazine, the Carters’ grandson expressed “It’s clear we’re in the final chapter.” Recent visitors to the Carters’ Plains home have mostly been family members and caregivers, highlighting the couple’s need for privacy and care during this phase of their lives.
Jimmy Carter’s remarkable journey from a peanut farmer and U.S. Navy lieutenant to politics and eventually becoming the President of the United States from 1977 to 1981 is a testament to his lifelong commitment to public service. In his post-presidential years, he founded The Carter Center with his wife, Rosalynn, to advance world peace and health. His dedication to humanitarian work includes volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, for which he is widely known. In recognition of his tireless efforts to promote peace worldwide, Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. As he approaches his 99th birthday, the nation eagerly anticipates the birthday celebration for a remarkable statesman and humanitarian, Jimmy Carter.