Citizen Journalism

While the specific date of the very first association between a member of the Rothschild family and the Aspen Institute is not publicly archived as a single "founding" moment, documented institutional involvement and public records highlight key early milestones:

Early Documented Associations

• The 1960s (Philanthropic & Institutional): The Rothschild Foundation and individual family members began supporting international cultural and humanistic initiatives that aligned with the Aspen Institute's expansion into global policy.

• 1973 (Network Overlap): While not an Aspen-exclusive event, the 1973 founding of the Trilateral Commission saw early collaboration between Rothschild representatives and leadership figures from the Aspen Institute, establishing a long-term network of shared policy dialogue.

• Late 20th Century: Members of the family, including Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, became more visible in the Institute’s circle through high-level international executive seminars and forums, which the Institute began hosting regularly after 1951.

Modern Leadership & Visibility

• 2002–2005 (Lynn Forester de Rothschild): The most public-facing association began in earnest with Lynn Forester de Rothschild, who established E.L. Rothschild LLC in 2002. By the inaugural Aspen Ideas Festival in 2005, she and other family members were solidified as recurring speakers and major donors.

• 2022 (The "Rothschild Tents"): A notable physical presence at the Institute was documented in 2022 with the return of the "Rothschild Tents" at the Aspen Ideas Festival, a longstanding colloquial name for specific event spaces associated with their sponsorship.

In summary, while the Aspen Institute was founded in 1949, the Rothschild family's recorded association through financial support and participation transitioned from private philanthropy in the mid-to-late 20th century to highly visible leadership and advocacy roles by the early 2000s.

The Rodel Fellowship, originally established in 2005 as a signature program of the Aspen Institute, is now operated by the Rodel Institute, an independent nonprofit organization.

Key Association and Evolution

• Original Partnership: For over 15 years, the program was known as the Aspen-Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership. It was housed within the Aspen Institute and served as its premier leadership development program for state and local elected officials.

• Independence (2021): Following the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, the Rodel Foundation and the Aspen Institute agreed to spin off the program into a separate entity, the Rodel Institute. This move was intended to expand the fellowship's work in strengthening democracy and improving public leadership.

• Current Status (2026): While now independent, the Rodel Institute continues the original mission of the fellowship. It remains a nonpartisan center that selects 24 emerging political leaders (divided equally by party) each year for multi-day seminars focused on democratic principles and civil dialogue.

Program Legacy

Over 380 fellows have graduated from the program, including prominent figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, several U.S. Senators, and numerous state governors. The program continues to recruit new cohorts, with the Class of 2026 currently active.

South Carolina Aspen Institute Connection

Rodel Fellowship Class of 2006 "Andre Bauer"
Lieutenant Governor, South Carolina.

André Bauer served as the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina for two terms, from January 2003 to January 2011, having been inaugurated in January 2003 and completing his second term in January 2011.

• First Term: Inaugurated January 15, 2003.

• Second Term: Served until January 12, 2011

Stephen Benjamin
Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina

Stephen Benjamin served as the Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, from April 2010 until early January 2022, making him the city's first African American mayor, elected in 2010 and reelected in 2013 and 2017 before stepping down to join the Biden administration

• Took office: April 2010

• Left office: January 2022 (officially Jan 4, 2022)

• Total tenure: Over 11 years (2010-2022)

Vincent Austin Sheheen

Mayor of Camden, South Carolina.

Attorney and politician. He was a member of the South Carolina Senate from 2004 to 2020, representing the 27th District, which comprises Chesterfield, Kershaw, and Lancaster counties.