White House Historical Association Statement on November 15, 2016 Event with First Lady Michelle Obama
Washington, D.C. —
The White House Historical Association was honored to host First Lady Michelle Obama for an evening celebrating her collaboration with the Association over the past eight years and her leadership of four key initiatives: Let’s Move!, Joining Forces, Let Girls Learn, and Reach Higher. Guests in attendance at the Association’s historic Decatur House on Lafayette Square were privileged to hear directly from individuals positively impacted by Mrs. Obama’s advocacy and inspirational work, as well as Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the United States.
During President Obama’s two terms, the Association supported Mrs. Obama’s redecoration of the Old Family Dining Room, including the acquisition of “Resurrection” by Alma Thomas, the first African-American female artist in the White House Collection; the refurbishment of the State Dining Room; and the acquisition of a new State China Service, the “Obama China,” that will remain as a part of the White House Collection as well.
The Association has been privileged to partner with every first lady since being established by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961. The White House Historical Association looks forward to continuing its support of President and Mrs. Obama through the commissioning and completion of their official White House portraits in the months ahead.
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.