Re-opening of First Ladies' Hall

Close
Usage Conditions Apply
The Smithsonian Institution Archives welcomes personal and educational use of its collections unless otherwise noted. For commercial uses, please contact photos@si.edu.
Print
 

Summary

Re-opening of the First Ladies' Hall. Gowns moved from the front hall of the Arts and Industries Building to the new First Ladies' Hall, west-north range, A&I. Attendees included President Dwight Eisenhower, Mamie Eisenhower was at the ceremony, having recently donated her inaugural dress. "In creating the period settings for these gowns, architectural details from the White House have been combined with furniture and fixtures associated with both the White House and the First Ladies. Consequently, the dresses will be displayed in the type of surroundings in which they were originally worn." The exhibit featured reconstructions of eight White House rooms, decorated in period style from its earliest appearance to the present time, containing architectural details recovered from the White House during its recent renovation.

Subject

  • Eisenhower, Dwight D (Dwight David) 1890-1969
  • Eisenhower, Mamie Doud 1896-
  • Arts and Industries Building)
  • First Ladies Hall
  • National Museum of American History (U.S.) (NMAH)
  • National Museum of History and Technology (U.S.)

Category

Chronology of Smithsonian History

Notes

  • Annual Report contains numerous photos showing new installation
  • Torch, 5/1955, p. 1
  • Annual Report of the United States National Museum of the Smithsonian Institution for the year 1955, p. 7
  • Annual Report of the Smithsonian Institution for the year 1955, p. 4

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

May 24, 1955

Topic

  • Openings
  • First Ladies Gowns
  • Presidents
  • Presidents' spouses

Place

United States

Full Record

View Full Record