photo courtesy Rob & Melani Walton Foundation
MEDORA, N.D. (KFGO) – Melani Walton has left the board of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation.
The Montana native and Dickinson State alumna was a founding benefactor of the library. She is the wife of Rob Walton, retired chairman of Walmart. She served on the board for three and a half years.
The Waltons released a joint statement about the departure, saying they believe strongly in the importance of honoring the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt – which is why they were happy to have supported the project from its inception.
Ed O’Keefe, the CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation, said Melani Walton’s term on the Board ended at the end of last year and she let the Board know she and Rob have other philanthropic and board commitments that they plan to pursue.
“As Melani leaves the board of the TRPLF, we thank her for her generosity and work. When the history of this remarkable institution is told years from now, Melani and Rob will occupy a significant place in that story. We wish them well,” O’Keefe said.
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is still in the planning and design stages. O’Keefe said the foundation is set to acquire 93 acres from the U.S. Forest Service next month and groundbreaking will be in or near Medora in spring or summer 2023.
O’Keefe said they anticipate two to two and a half years of construction and will have a substantially complete facility by late 2025. Grand opening is planned for July 4, 2026, which will coincide the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
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