Official 2015 White House Christmas Ornament Unveiled
Washington, D.C. —
The White House Historical Association announced today the Official 2015 White House Christmas Ornament honoring U.S. President Calvin Coolidge and the 1923 First National Christmas Tree lighting.
The highly sought after collectible is American made and its sale supports the Associations nonprofit, nonpartisan mission to fund the acquisition of furnishings and artwork for the White House permanent collection, assist in the preservation of the historic rooms, and educate the public on the history of the White House.
The ornament retails for $18.95 and is available for pre-order immediately with ornaments available online (whitehousehistory.org/2015) or in Association stores beginning March 15.
We are honored that millions of individuals have made the White House Historical Associations ornaments a part of their holiday tradition for 35 years, said Association President Stewart McLaurin. Each ornament sale enables the Association to fulfill its mission and commitment to the White House as envisioned by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961.
The ornament design is a tree and features 14 illustrations that highlight stories from Coolidge's life and presidency. Topped by a star in the same style as the 1923 tree, the ornament includes a working light that illuminates the Coolidge White House and tree design from within. This is the first time technology has been featured in the official White House ornament design.
Each year the Association honors a president or significant White House anniversary with the highly collectible, American made design. Since the ornament program began in 1981, they have been manufactured in Lincoln, Rhode Island by ChemArt, a veteran owned small business. This years design was created by American designer David Howell.
With Presidents Day serving as an important reminder to celebrate and honor all 44 presidents, the Association began a new annual tradition of revealing the treasured ornament design celebrating the White House and the presidents. The Association partnered with HGTV Design Start Genevieve Gorder to debut the ornament at the Willard InterContinental this year.
Coolidge has deep connections to the Willard InterContinental. In addition to living at the hotel during extended periods of his Vice Presidency, Coolidge was officially sworn in (for a second time) at the Willard InterContinental following President Hardings death. The President remained at the hotel for the first weeks of his presidency, allowing Mrs. Harding time to depart the Executive Mansion.
Relevant Social Media Handles
Twitter: @whitehousehstry, @real_Genevieve @WillardHotel
Instagram: @whitehousehstry, @GenevieveHGTV
Facebook: @TheWhiteHouseHistoricalAssociation @GenevieveGorder @WillardHotel
About Genevieve Gorder
Genevieve Gorders unmistakable style and enthusiasm have made her a multi-award winning talent and one of Americas favorite interior designers. An alumna of The School of Visual Arts, Gorder has worked in studios throughout Europe and New York City. Currently, Genevieve designs for her new series Genevieves Renovation. You can also catch her on Dear Genevieve, HGTV Star, A Heros Welcome Home, and hosting HGTVs White House Christmas Specials.
Off air, Genevieve designs for a diverse group of clients and companies ranging from her collection at Capel Rugs, ships with Royal Caribbean, hotels, restaurants, private clients, and her new lifestyle web series A Well Designed Life on ulive.com.
Gorders work has been featured in many major publications and shes a regular contributor on Rachael Ray and The Today Show. In addition, her digital magazine Real Genevieve is now available at genevievegorder.com and the App Store. Learn more at genevievegorder.com.
About the White House Historical Association
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.
To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.