<div class="css-17ih8de interactive-body"><style> .g-doc-page_paper:not(.g-doc-page_html) { padding-top: 129.33568489124045%; } .g-related-link { width: calc(100% - 40px); max-width: 600px; margin: 20px auto 16px; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; padding-top: 20px; } .g-related-link_header { font-family: nyt-franklin, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: 700; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.05em; color: #999; margin-bottom: 10px; } .g-related-link a { text-decoration: none; color: #333; } .g-related-link a:hover { color: #666; text-decoration: underline; } .g-related-link_text { font-family: nyt-cheltenham, georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 1.125rem; line-height: 1.375rem; font-weight: 700; color: #333; margin: 0; } @media (min-width: 740px) { .g-related-link_text { font-size: 1.1875rem; line-height: 1.4375rem; } } </style> <div class="g-graphic"> <div class="g-doc-wrapper g-ocr-ready"> <div class="g-item g-document"> <div class="g-doc-page_wrapper"> <div class="g-doc-page_container"> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-1"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 1 of 8" aria-describedby="page-1-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/1/output-1.png" height="2200" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1701"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 1 of 8" aria-describedby="page-1-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2200" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/1/output-1.png" width="1701"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-1-text">MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT This Memorandum of Agreement ("Memorandum") is entered into by and between the U.S. Department of Transportation ("DOT”) and Great American Road Trip, Inc. ("Donor”), collectively the “Parties." WHEREAS DOT is a duly formed United States executive department, established pursuant to 49 U.S.C. Chapter 1, whose mission is to serve the American people by creating the fastest, safest, most efficient, and convenient transportation system in the world; WHEREAS the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission ("Commission"), created by the Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 (Pub. L. 114-196), as amended by the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Amendments Act of 2020 (Pub. L. 116-282), is tasked with orchestrating the largest anniversary observance in the nation's history, leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence; WHEREAS as a member of the Commission, DOT plays an important role in the planning and coordination of the Semiquincentennial celebrations; WHEREAS Donor is an organization whose purpose is to showcase America, American modes of transportation, and American destinations in coordination with the celebration of America's 250th anniversary by reminding the American public through traditional and social media of the rich tapestry of national parks, historic sites, and diverse culture awaiting exploration along America's highways and byways; WHEREAS Donor has offered DOT a gift to support and enhance DOT's efforts relating to its efforts to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and to promote the concept of the "great American road trip," including hosting a website, using social media channels, building a series that could live on You Tube for the inspiration of all Americans; and providing associated funding; NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows: Purpose Acknowledging their mutual agreement to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and to further the Parties' efforts to promote the concept of the great American road trip, this Memorandum serves to memorialize a gift prepared and provided by Donor to DOT for the purpose of fostering national pride, boosting domestic tourism, and showcasing all that makes America an exceptional country through the concept of the "great American road trip." Gift Donor hereby gifts to DOT support to enhance DOT's efforts to promote the concept of the "great American road trip”, which celebrates America's 250th anniversary; promotes travel and tourism while encouraging Americans to explore our beautiful country; and recognizes U.S. Department of Transportation and Great American Road Trip, Inc. Memorandum of Agreement - GART Gift</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-2"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 2 of 8" aria-describedby="page-2-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/2/output-2.png" height="2200" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1701"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 2 of 8" aria-describedby="page-2-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2200" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/2/output-2.png" width="1701"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-2-text">transportation and infrastructure and the ingenuity that has built America over the past 250 years, including hosting a website, using social media channels, building a series that could live on You Tube for the inspiration of all Americans (the "Video"), and funding for events and family participation. The Gift includes ownership of copyright to any video for the purpose of promoting the great American road trip for the duration of copyright and all renewals and extensions thereof. The transfer of the worldwide copyrights includes, but is not limited to, all copyrights available in the United States of America, all Bern Convention member countries, and all countries not subject to international agreements on copyright law. Donor acknowledges that it will receive no compensation for the Gift, its use by DOT or any DOT-authorized third party, nor any favorable consideration for any future federal financial assistance, action, contract, or other financial award. Subject to the reservation of rights noted below, the gift includes, but is not limited to the following exclusive rights: The rights to publish, copy, reproduce, distribute, publicly display, communicate, transfer, transmit, store, adapt, create derivatives, market, promote, ingest, upload, translate, process, make available, and/or create revised editions, in whole or in part, by itself or with other material, throughout the World, in all languages and in all media, methods, or technologies now known or later developed; To license, sublicense, or otherwise authorize or grant permission to others to exercise the above rights. The Donor hereby grants DOT final approval of any publicly facing material for the purpose of ensuring compliance with applicable Federal ethics rules and to ensure that no aspect of the Gift causes harm, or embarrassment to DOT or the Federal government. Acceptance DOT formally acknowledges acceptance of the Gift from Donor under its authority to accept the Gift pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 326. DOT appreciates Donor's generosity and contribution to these efforts. Retained Rights Notwithstanding the above, Donor retains a non-exclusive right to publish, copy, reproduce, distribute, publicly display, communicate, transmit, store, create derivatives, promote, ingest, upload, translate, process, and make available the Gift in whole throughout the World in all languages and all media, methods, or technologies now known or later developed for the purposes of advancing its interests. Donor Representations Donor represents that: The Video is an original work of or a work-for-hire, as defined in 17 U.S.C. § 101, made exclusively for Donor and no use of the Video by DOT will violate or infringe upon any U.S. Department of Transportation and Great American Road Trip, Inc. Memorandum of Agreement - GART Gift 2</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-3"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 3 of 8" aria-describedby="page-3-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/3/output-3.png" height="2200" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1701"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 3 of 8" aria-describedby="page-3-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2200" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/3/output-3.png" width="1701"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-3-text">rights of any third party, nor will it constitute a defamation or an invasion of privacy of any third party; It is the sole and exclusive owner of the Video and the rights herein granted throughout the world and that no part of the Video has in any way been encumbered, conveyed, granted or otherwise disposed of and the same are free of any liens or claims whatsoever and there are no claims or litigation pending, outstanding, or threatened which might in any way prejudice, interrupt, or interfere with DOT's use of the Video; and It has the full right and authority to enter into this Memorandum, to gift to DOT ownership of copyright to the Video, to grant the rights granted herein, and perform all obligations hereunder. DOT Representations/Acknowledgements DOT represents that: • • Credits It has the full power, authority, and capability to enter into this Memorandum of Agreement, to accept the Gift, including the Video, and copyright ownership and the rights granted herein, and to perform all obligations hereunder; The Gift will be used in DOT's America250 media campaign and for promotion of DOT's own Great American Road Trip initiative; and It acknowledges Donor has contributed the Gift to DOT in good faith and wishes to thank Donor for such a generous contribution. DOT is hereby authorized to add a branding statement acknowledging DOT immediately after the audiovisual work credits, provided such branding statement does not distract from any included credits, including those recognizing Donor for their sponsorship of the creation of the Video. Indemnification Donor hereby agrees to defend and indemnify DOT, its officers, employees, and authorized third parties using the Gift from any and all liability, loss, damage, cost and expense (including without limitation reasonable attorney's fees) suffered as a result of any claim, demand, action, or suit made or raised against DOT or its authorized third party users of the Gift (or their directors, officers, and employees) by reason of the infringement of any right of any third party, including but not limited to intellectual property rights, invasions of privacy, and defamation. Term and Termination This Memorandum will become effective on the date of the final signature and will remain in effect in perpetuity. Partnership Nothing in this Memorandum constitutes an obligation of federal funds, nor does this Memorandum give rise to a legally cognizable partnership or joint venture. Each Party to this Memorandum agrees to bear its own costs in carrying out its responsibilities. In addition, no Party shall be authorized to bind the other without express prior written consent. Intellectual Property U.S. Department of Transportation and Great American Road Trip, Inc. Memorandum of Agreement -- GART Gift 3</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-4"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 4 of 8" aria-describedby="page-4-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/4/output-4.png" height="2200" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1701"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 4 of 8" aria-describedby="page-4-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2200" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/4/output-4.png" width="1701"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-4-text">Neither Party may use the official seal of, or logos of, the other Party in any manner without the prior written consent of the other Party. Except as may expressly be provided in this Memorandum, no right, title, or interest of any kind in or to the use of, nor any permission or license to use any trademark, trade name, logo, insignia, or device owned by either Party is, or is intended to be, given, assigned or otherwise transferred to either Party by the execution, performance, or non-performance of this Memorandum or any part thereof. The Parties agree to work cooperatively to determine whether and how best to include a credit line for DOT at the conclusion of any credits included in the audiovisual work. Governing Law This Memorandum shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the United States. The Parties hereby consent to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia for the purpose of all actions arising under or in connection with this Memorandum. Miscellaneous This Memorandum is not intended to, and does not create, any right, benefit, or responsibility, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity against any Party, its agencies or instrumentalities, its officers, trustees, or employees, or any other person. Should any provision of this Memorandum be held unenforceable, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected by such a holding. This Memorandum constitutes the entire understanding of the Parties with respect to the gifting and use of the Gift, including the Video, and supersedes any prior or contemporaneous agreements or understandings, written or oral. This Memorandum may be amended only by a written agreement signed by both Parties. Signatures Signatures transmitted by facsimile or via email as a scanned PDF file shall be deemed original signatures to this Memorandum. The individuals whose signatures appear below attest to having the authority to enter into this Memorandum and agree that this Memorandum shall become effective upon the date of the last signature. For the U.S. Department of Transportation: Leslie Windram O'Shaughnessy For Great American Road Trip, Inc.: Victoria "Tori" Barnes Name Leslie Windram Signature Name Signature U.S. Department of Transportation and Great American Road Trip, Inc. Memorandum of Agreement - GART Gift 4</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-5"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 5 of 8" aria-describedby="page-5-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/5/output-5.png" height="2200" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1701"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 5 of 8" aria-describedby="page-5-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2200" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/5/output-5.png" width="1701"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-5-text">Senior Advisor Executive Director Title Title 12/22/25 1218 25 Date Date U.S. Department of Transportation and Great American Road Trip, Inc. Memorandum of Agreement - GART Gift 5</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-6"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 6 of 8" aria-describedby="page-6-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/6/output-6.png" height="3300" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="2552"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 6 of 8" aria-describedby="page-6-text" class="g-doc-image" height="3300" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/6/output-6.png" width="2552"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-6-text"></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-7"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 7 of 8" aria-describedby="page-7-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/7/output-7.png" height="2200" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1701"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 7 of 8" aria-describedby="page-7-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2200" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/7/output-7.png" width="1701"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-7-text">Tori Emerson Barnes Executive Director Great American Road Trip Inc. 221 11th Street, SE Washington, D.C. 20003 November 10, 2025 The Honorable Sean Duffy Secretary of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, D.C. 20003 Dear Secretary Duffy, Leadership from the Great American Road Trip Inc (GART) was honored to join you and the Department of Transportation at the Great American Road Trip Car Show held in this past spring. The mission of the Great American Road Trip Inc is to showcase America, American modes of transportation and American destinations to create a lasting legacy for decades to come. GART is built on three key pillars: Celebrating America's 250th birthday; promoting travel and tourism while encouraging Americans to explore our beautiful country; and recognizing transportation and infrastructure and the ingenuity that has built America over the past 250 years. Our organization has deep expertise and alignment with filming, production and resources across the country that would be an incredible asset to the concept initiated with the Great American Road Trip Car Show. We would like to include you and your family in our expanded scope of work as we seek to record road trip vignettes across the country in hopes that we inspire Americans to get out and see America. Featuring your family would be indispensable to this work, highlighting the family road trip and it would therefore be our pleasure to support the family's involvement financially. Ultimately, we would like to donate this work back to the department to showcase and highlight the important work of the Great American Road Trip for all Americans to experience. Road trips are an iconic part of the way we can see and experience America and as we celebrate America's birthday, some of the many destinations that we would like to feature include (but are not limited to): Philadelphia, PA, Boston, MA, St. Louis, MO, Nashville, TN, Charleston, SC, New Orleans, LA, The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, San Diego, CA, Las Vegas, NV, Miami and Orlando, FL, Indianapolis, IN, New York, NY, and Asheville, NC.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-8"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 8 of 8" aria-describedby="page-8-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/8/output-8.png" height="2200" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1701"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 8 of 8" aria-describedby="page-8-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2200" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/83e3c28f157a7b62/8/output-8.png" width="1701"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-8-text">We would also like to incorporate the destinations on your website and bring them on to ours to better promote this work through our expertise. We would further build out our social media channels and ultimately build a series that could live on You Tube for all Americans to become inspired through. We look forward to celebrating America and we hope that you and your family will join us in this important effort on the eve of America's 250th Birthday. Sincerely, Tori Emerson Barnes Tori Emerson Barnes Executive Director Great American Road Trip Inc.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-footer"> <p class="sr-only">A PDF version of this document with embedded text is available at the link below:</p> <a class="g-download-link" href="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/103bcd88af772118/163b33fc-full.pdf" target="_blank"> <h2>Download the original document (pdf)</h2> </a> </div> </div> <div class="g-img-overlay_container" id="g-img-overlay"> <div class="g-img-overlay"> <div class="g-img-overlay_inner"> <img alt="Image of the selected page" class="g-img-image" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png"/> <div id="g-img-close"> <span class="g-img-icon-text">Close</span> <span class="g-img-icon g-close">×</span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>