West Hall of U.S. National Museum Decorated for Garfield Inaugural Ball
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ID: SIA2009-0158 or 8015 or MAH-8015
Creator: Unknown
Form/Genre: Photographic print
Date: March 4, 1881
Citation: Smithsonian Institution Archives Record Unit 371 Box 2 Folder May 1976
The West Hall and Rotunda of the new United States National Museum, now the Arts and Industries Building, decorated for President James A. Garfield's and Chester A. Arthur's Inaugural Ball, March 4, 1881. This was the first event held in the building. Garlands of electric lights were strung from the ceiling and the "Statue of America" in the rotunda held an electric lamp in her hand. Buntings and flags decorated the walls and a wooden floor was laid for the event. In the background of the images there is a banner hanging in the East Hall that reads "Supper Room." This was the first inaugural ball held at the Smithsonian Institution.
Historic Images of the Smithsonian
Featured in TORCH, May 1976; the image featured in TORCH was reversed so that the "Statue of America" was facing the incorrect direction. The reversed photo is located on SIA-66
Smithsonian Institution Archives Record Unit 371 Box 2 Folder May 1976
Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu
March 4, 1881
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SIA2009-0158 or 8015 or MAH-8015
Color: Black and White; Size: 8w x 10h; Type of Image: Event; Interior; Medium: Photographic print