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On November 22, 1963, about two hours after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson took the Oath of Office aboard Air Force One at Love Field in Dallas, becoming the thirty-sixth president of the United States. About two weeks later, President Johnson, First Lady Claudia (“Lady Bird”) Johnson, and their daughter, Luci Baines Johnson, moved into the
For much of American history, the spouse of the Vice President of the United States did not maintain a prominent public role. However, as the Office of Vice President has evolved over time to include more responsibilities, power, influence, and resources, the “Second Spouse” has also grown in recognition and stature. One notable historical exception is Floride Calhoun, the wife of V
Join the National Portrait Gallery Senior Historian and Director of Research, Publications, and Scholarly Programs Dr. Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw as she discusses images of the newly-installed First Ladies exhibit, “Every Eye is Upon Me.” This exhibit is the largest portraiture display featuring First Ladies to take place outside of the White House. Dr. Shaw will discuss her curation of the exhi
The White House celebrates many holiday traditions, some of which are historic and others more recent. New arrivals to the Executive Mansion bring unique familial rituals that they are often blended with time-tested White House and presidential customs. During the holiday season, the president and first lady participate in public traditions such as receiving a tree for the Blue Room,
Most Americans have never heard of Harriet Lane, but at the time of her uncle James Buchanan’s presidency, she was the White House hostess, a friend to Queen Victoria, namesake to “societies, ships of war, [and] neck-ties,” “First Lady of the Land,” and a national celebrity.1 How, then, have Americans forgotten her?
