FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    2000-61

            Former SEC Chairman and SEC Alumni Create
      Securities and Exchange Commission Historical Society

     Washington, DC, May 8, 2000 -- Former Securities and
Exchange Commission Chairman David Ruder and other distinguished
SEC alumni today announced the creation of the Securities and
Exchange Commission Historical Society.  The mission of the
Society is to preserve the history of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and to enhance understanding of capital markets
worldwide.  Among other things, the SEC Historical Society will
sponsor policy conferences, support research on various
securities law issues, and maintain historical archives of
important papers of SEC Commissioners.
     
     SEC Chairman Arthur Levitt said, "Gaining a better
understanding of how our markets have evolved and the SEC's role
in maintaining the integrity of those markets is vital to
analyzing current market developments and transitions today.  The
SEC Historical Society will be a valuable resource to help
practitioners, students and investors better understand the
Commission's regulatory and investor protection role.  I am
especially pleased that so many distinguished SEC alumni are
committed to preserving the history of the SEC."

An inaugural reception for the newly created Securities and
Exchange Commission Historical Society will be held in
Washington, D.C. on Thursday, May 11, 2000.  The reception will
be held at the National Building Museum, 401 F Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Chairman Levitt
will present remarks at this event.  For registration
information, contact the Securities and Exchange Commission
Historical Society at (202) 585-6405.  More information about the
SEC Historical Society can be found on its website at
www.sechistorical.org.
     
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