On Exhibit Now: Framed White House Christmas Cards
On Exhibit Now: Framed White House Christmas Cards
Plus, check out seasonal candlelight tours and other festive happenings.
The National First Ladies Library and Museum in Canton, Ohio, is featuring a new temporary exhibit of framed White House Christmas cards as a part of an extensive collection that was recently donated to us by Jim Conzelman, former staff assistant to President Gerald Ford. The cards, many of which are signed, include those sent by the Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump Administrations. This temporary exhibit will be on display through the holidays.
Dec. 6, 2023
Online — Ann Lowe: An American Couturier with a First Ladies' Connection
The National First Ladies Library and Museum will feature Elizabeth Way, associate curator of costume at FIT in an online discussion of the Ann Lowe exhibition at the Winterthur Museum. Ann Lowe (c. 1898 - 1981) was a prolific American fashion designer, working from the 1910s in Montgomery, Alabama, through the 1920s in Tampa, Florida, and for four decades in New York City. Lowe spent her career creating custom gowns for elite American women, specializing in intricate, feminine silhouettes and floral embellishments. Her most famous design is Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy's 1953 wedding dress. Read more
Dec. 7, 2023
Tudor Lights at Tudor Place
The halls are decked for the annual holiday party. Stay for cocktails and holiday fare after visiting the historic house to see gifts of Christmases past. Read more
Dec. 8, 9 and 17, 2023
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Tour George Washington’s historic estate by candlelight and learn about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. This year's event will explore the build-up to the Revolution as the 250th anniversary of the year 1773 is celebrated. Read more
Dec. 8, 13, and 15, 2023
Candlelight Tours at Tudor Place
Join Tudor Place after hours for a guided tour of the historic house by candlelight. Discover stories behind the Christmas gifts in the collection before enjoying cider and treats. Read more
Dec. 10, 2023
A Timeless Holiday Tea at the National First Ladies Library and Museum
Celebrate the warmth of the holidays at the National First Ladies Library and Museum with “A Timeless Holiday Tea”' featuring a livestreamed program by Coleen Christian, former White House holiday decorator. Coleen Christian is an esteemed interior decorator who was part of the White House decorating team in 2008, where she created icicle trees in the Grand Lobby and festive Fife and Drum motifs in the State Dining Room. She is the author of “Christmas with the First Ladies: The White House Decorating Tradition from Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama.” Signed copies of Coleen Christian’s book will be available for purchase. Read more
Dec. 13, 2023
Tudor Tots at Tudor Place
Children 18 months to four years old will play games, enjoy a group story, create holiday crafts and sing along to holiday songs. Read more
Dec. 15, 2023
Candlelight Tour of the Saxton-McKinley House
The National First Ladies Library and Museum will offer a free, in-person candlelight tour of the Saxton-McKinley House with our Park Service Rangers from 5:30-7:30 p.m. EST. Newly forming traditions and presidential expectations all transformed how the tight-knit Saxton and McKinley family celebrated Christmas in the Saxton House over many years. The story of the Saxton and McKinley family involves difficult topics like illness and death; we recommend tour participants are at least 12 years old.
Free tours begin every 30 minutes at 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., but may last longer than 30 minutes depending on the group size and questions asked. Tours are limited to 12 people per tour and reservations are required.
Dec. 21, 2023
Third Thursdays Night Out with Jackie Kennedy - Private Curator-Led Tour
The National First Ladies Library and Museum invites visitors to “Get to Know the Real Jackie O” with this behind-the-scenes private tour led by their curator of the exhibition Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Light appetizers and drinks are included. Read more
Now through Dec. 31, 2023
Apply for the Washington Library’s Fellowship Program
The Washington Library is accepting applications for its 2024-2025 research fellowship program now through Dec. 31, 2023. Research fellows can spend one, three, or six months as a research fellow at the George Washington Library, located at George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia. Funded research opportunities are available to people researching the early American period. Read more
On exhibit through April 27, 2024
Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Visitors to the National First Ladies Library and Museum in Canton, Ohio, can explore a replica of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding gown designed by Anne Lowe and other never-before-seen artifacts donated by Monte Durham of Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta. The free exhibition runs through April 27, 2024 and is open to the public. Read more