The White House Historical Association Honors Mrs. Kennedy
A luncheon honoring the birthday of Jacqueline Kennedy’s was given by The White House Historical Association Tuesday. This young first lady who entered the White House quickly realized that the home was in trouble so she quickly began her plans to restore the White House. As the luncheon program so greatly described “She wanted the Executive Mansion to function as a “living museum” that reflects the history of the American presidency both past and present. To accomplish this goal, Mrs. Kennedy initiated a three-part program to restore the historic integrity of the public room, acquire a collection of decorative and fine arts, and establish the White House Historical Association as a private, independent, nonprofit partner to the White House”.
The lovely luncheon was one that Mrs. Kennedy would be proud of: the guests were first invited to tour the fabulous new exhibit the Association has created- The Kennedy Rose Garden Traditionally American (going on until September 12- more photos etc. to be seen next week). Guests then mixed and mingled with tea, lemonade and wine before being ushered into a room where they were seated at tables with names like The Family Dinning Room or Red Room instead of a number. The menu consisted of items that Mrs. Kennedy served herself at the White House from various events, luncheons and dinners. The food was served on a beautifully feminine plate and center pieces were white roses all echoing the days of the Kennedy Administration. Following the beautiful and delicious meal an amazing panel of women began their discussion. Heather Champion, chief Executive Officer of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, Betty Monkman former White House Chief Curator, Cokie Roberts, the well known American journalist and political commentator and author of three first ladies books, were moderated by the amazinlgy talented Anita McBride, who is the Executive-in-Residence at the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies in the School of Public Affairs at American University, director of the University’s First Ladies Initiative, and former chief of staff to First Lady Laura Bush.
Be sure to run by the exhibit- it is fabulous!
The White House Historical Association’s exhibit of the Kennedy Rose Garden Traditionally American (closed Labor Day- open until September 12; 748 Jackson Place, NW Washington DC 20006)
