Exhibits illustrating Jacqueline Kennedy's accomplishments as first lady reflect both her gracious personal style and also her substantial achievements, most notably in the fields of historic preservation and advocacy for the arts. Of special interest is her restoration of the White House featured here in her famous 1962 televised tour of the White House.
The White House Treaty Room, ca. 1962
Edward Lehman (American, 1914-2000)
Watercolor
Jacqueline Kennedy commissioned artist Edward Lehman (American, 1914-2000) to create a series of watercolors of the restored White House interiors. She had admired his pen-and-ink illustrations studies in an article on the progress of the White House project in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The National Academy of Television Arts and Science Award, 1961-1962
Designer: Louis McManus
Brass, gold plate
15 in.
This Emmy award was presented to Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy for her February 1962 television tour of the White House after her historic renovation of the executive mansion. This statuette of a winged woman holding an atom became the symbol of the TV Academy's goal of supporting and uplifting the art and science of television: The wings represent the muse of art; the atom the electron of science.
Sleeveless Dress
A La Carte
Wool
This dress was worn on June 28, 1962 by Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy at the opening of the White House Treaty Room after the room had been restored as part of the White House restoration project.