Historical Association Since we were founded in 1961 by first Lady Jacqueline kennedy, he was her vision at the young age of 31 to create an organization that would provide nontax payer funding to maintain the museums standard of the house, which had been somewhat neglected through presencys leading up to the kennedys. Although the association has developed an expanded over the past 60 years the mission established by mrs. Kennedy. Still guides our work and our offerings. Earlier this month the association celebrated our 60th anniversary with the gala at the temple of dendor in the sackler wing of the metropolitan museum of art in new york. The evening featured powerful and poignant remarks from first lady of the United States dr. Jill biden ambassador caroline kennedy, David Rubinstein chairman of our board fred ryan and vice chair john rogers and al roker served as the master of ceremonies for the evening. We had performances from the gray coat fife and drug corps metropolitan opera. Soprano brandy sutton and the nyu Steinhardt School, which we have a new partnership with provided their Chamber Orchestra for music throughout the evening highlighting american songs and traditions. This special episode will provide an inside behind the scenes. Look its some of the moments from that very special evening. In this first clip, well hear a segment from my remarks that describes the white house connection to the temple of dendoor and why we decided to host the gala in that historic space. I wanted to take a moment and set the stage of where we are here in the temple of dandora in the cycler wing of the metropolitan museum of art. This historic structure in front of you is here because of a bit of president ial history. In fact, i would say that almost everything we do believe touch and it happens in our lives has some connectivity to the white house the people who have lived and worked there. And to white house history itself and this extraordinary example of egyptian antiquity was brought to the United States as a gift by the people of egypt to the United States of america and was received by president and mrs. Kennedy in 1963. In appreciation for the United States help in saving the portion of egypt that was going to be submerged by the construction of the s1 high dam. So this and several other items were saved now. This could have ended up on the banks of the potomac in washington as some wanted it could have ended up on the banks of the charles in boston as others. Wanted but it was president johnson who decided it would come here to new york and it would be in this extraordinary sackler wing where would be protected inside from the elements of outside now it had been outside for quite some time. But president johnson wanted to make sure was protected while i was in american hands. This is 2036 years old and by comparison. We are 60 years as a very small measure of time, but we are honored and grateful to have had those 60 years. Thanks to the generosity of mrs. Kennedy and her founding of our organization and to celebrate it here tonight in this place connected with president ial history. It was truly remarkable to enjoy the evening in that breathtaking space and it makes one realize how many places across the country and around the world have a connection to president ial and white house history, even if its not always evident. Al roker did a terrific job moderating the program that evening bringing his signature humor and wit every time he stepped on the stage in this clip. Al first talks about the founding date of the association in a way that only al roker could through a Weather Report before he focused on the significance of the White House Christmas ornament want to start with something. Im kind of used to a little bit of a Weather Report. The National Airport recorded the temperatures 76. 3 degrees fahrenheit with winds out of the southeast at 15 Miles Per Hour at midday on november 3rd 1961. Because an attorney carson glass hailed a taxi from his office to the District Of Columbia courthouse. He wouldnt need an overcoat it was overcast but glass would make it well back to his office before the light showers that were predicted arrived at 8 pm. Barely months earlier carson glass had received a most unusual assignment from his boss, washington heavyweight lawyer clark clifford. He had no idea at the time that it would change the trajectory of his own career and actually become a turning point in the history of the white house. He had been instructed to figure out how to create an organization that would help the new first Lady Jacqueline. Kennedy raised funds to restore the state rooms of the white house and also do it quickly which in washington is no easy feat to accomplish that goal glass assembled a small army of professionals who would spend the next eight months doing the legal and Organizational Work to create what would become the White House Historical association and they would spend much of the rest of their careers developing and sustaining so as he settled into his taxi on that that warm and cloudy early november afternoon glass was actually carrying the paperwork that would make incorporation. Of the White House HistoricalAssociation Official after months of sustained legal efforts the filing process. He later recalled turned out to be really simple after he paid his car is a cab fare. He entered the courthouse submitted the chair the charter and paid a filing fee of the whopping some of four bucks. Jacqueline kennedys dream had come true the White House Historical association was born now, like like many millions of americans. I was introduced to the White House Historical association through its famous Christmas Ornament program for many years on the today show my dear friend and mentor Willard Scott took great delight in unveiling each new ornament on the today show beginning with the first ornament in 1981. And as i understand it the moment he held up the ornament for the cameras the phones began to ring at the associations small headquarters while crowds gathered outside forming lines that ran along from the associations doorstep. Through the Lafayette Square neighborhood. Well get that later. In those days before ecommerce determine customers could not be deterred by whether wind rain snow sleet willard love christmas. He loved America America loved him and his genuine enthusiasm was contagious and maybe in his honor. We should resume this tradition. I would be happy to stand in for my friend and mentor. We look forward to reinstituting the tradition that began with Willard Scott featuring the White House Christmas ornament on the today show. Well as you know, the association has worked closely with 12 president s and first ladies since we were founded by mrs. Kennedy, and it was very special in fitting to have dr. Jill biden attend the gala representing those special relationships listen now to these segments from her powerful remarks about the white house as an international symbol. As a museum as a home and also the work of the White House Historical association for the last 10 months. Ive had the honor of partnering partnering with the White House Historical association. Just like the 11 other first ladies before me and although this pandemic has kept us physically apart. Ive already seen the positive effects of this meaningful relationship. Start your organization has been invaluable to my team, and im so excited to see all that we are going to do together. I will never forget the moment. I stepped over the threshold of the white house on inauguration day. The mahogany door is closed behind us. And as we turned around the grandeur of the front hall. Cut my breath the crystal chandelier reflecting off the marble floor. The president ial seal above the blue room reminding us of what it all meant. The exhilaration and pride the president and i both felt. The white house has always been more than a symbol. More than an Office Building or a museum. Its a place that hums with life and changes with the moment. When the capital city was being built George Washington decided to hold a National Competition to choose a design for the president s house. Architects builders and even poets sent in designs they contained towers and turrets courtly ballrooms and majestic domes. One even housed a throne. But it designed by james hoven stood out not a palace. But a home exactly what our first president wanted. Because George Washington understood that the heart of this newly created country the values that shaped us and the power that we would harness came from americas families. We the people room by room in marvel mantles and timeless portraits we can trace the steps of the women and men who walked the white house floors whose decisions rippled across the world. And yet in the shadows and slants of light we can imagine those ultimate intimate moments that affected only those who felt them. The letters written in sitting room corners the tumbling first steps of a grandchild or leisurely games of fetch with dogs on the south lawn. The soft sounds of bedtime stories floating down the hall. First ladies have always shaped the white house from ladybird johnsons childrens garden to pat nixons collection of americana. To the historic revelite restorations and artwork of laura bush and michelle obama. Tonight we celebrate the foundation of this organization. The legacy of Jackie Kennedy a first lady who opened the white house to a larger audience than ever before. For 60 years the White House Historical association has helped us understand the rich beautiful and complicated history that has brought us here. From native americans who once inhabited the lands of the president ial park to enslaved persons who labored to build the white house to the families who called it home. As a teacher i have always believed that education is the foundation of our democracy. That principle is reflected in the executive mansion and in the tireless work to preserve it. You the association help us remember the past so that we can continue to build a nation that lives up to our own timeless ideals. The pursuit of justice and equality the honor of service. And the strength of our unity. And as we make our way through this pandemic the association has helped our administration continue to connect with the people that we represent through virtual guides and an evergrowing body of historical scholarship. All of you here tonight are helping to the next chapter of this work with your time your talents and your treasures. Thank you for your dedication to education and to honoring our countrys history. Since most americans cant yet visit the white house because of the pandemic. Ive tried to bring the white house to them. Traveling to almost 40 states in less than a year. On every trip in small town coffee shops and stunning museums im reminded of what makes our country special. How its elegantly unique and everchanging. And theres always a moment often late at night after a trip back. My head just filled with the stories of the day when we drive up the south portico. The virginia sandstone columns glow in the yellow light and the arched doors open to welcome me home. I think about all the women. Who came before me . And all the women and yes men. Who will take my place . Oh, i got a clap for that one. I think about how we shape this american symbol. This museum this home. We all write americas story with each passing day. And the White House Historical association keeps our history alive. Together we will work to open the doors of the white house wider and wider to more fully reflect the distinct beauty of all of our communities. Serving as your first lady has been the honor of my life. And i promise that i will give my whole heart and soul to helping our home reflect the true promise and power. Of we the people. Thank you. One of the highlights of my role is the opportunity to work with president s and first ladies to tell the rich history of their temporary home at 1600 pennsylvania avenue, and i think dr. Biden perfectly summarized the importance of that relationship. At the gala we announced an Academic Partnership between the association and the Steinhardt School at New York University beginning in january 2022 the association will host a fellowship that will support the work of an nyu costume design graduate student exploring the topic of fashion and white house history. To commemorate this announcement the nyu Chamber Orchestra provided music throughout the dinner. Enjoy highlights from that very special and moving performance. Here here in the shell of a house this house that is struggling to be. Hope must have been the first two movie and you but hope isnt easy to see. You so it would be hello. Goodbye. But oh you came through now there isnt humble pie. They all said we never be together darling. Lets take about but he whos got the last half. Haha. Whats got the last . Here thank you so much. Nyu Chamber Orchestra. Enjoy the rest of your evening. Thank you. Its always a privilege for me to work with Young Scholars who are passionate about white house history, and i look forward to the excellent work and research that will be accomplished through our partnership with the Steinhardt School. A few months before the gala. We began working with renowned filmmaker Donna Lawrence and her team to produce a film that featured the legacy of the association and a look forward into the future. We debuted this film on the walls of the temple of dandoor at the gala. Here it began with a vision and a vow. Surveying the drab state of the white house environment Jacqueline Kennedy set to work and pointed the way it would be a sacrilege. She said merely to redecorated it must be restored and thats a question of scholarship. Her effort spurred the creation of the White House Historical association organized to gather preserve and share the essence of this remarkable symbol of our democracy and effort sustained during every presidency since and propelled by the creation of the David M RubinsteinNational Center for white house history. Fostering Teaching Research public programming about our beloved National Homestead from the start the mandate for the Historical Association was to be a private nonpartisan partnership funded not by taxpayers, but by historically inspired offerings and donors. Donors committed to preserving the nations hardearned heritage for future generations through the discovery and acquisition of vital objects and materials and placing them in historical context. Bringing to life the greatest treasures of all stories of those who shaped and witnessed americas history from within. The peoples house the first step was a badly needed guidebook enabling visitors to now plunge into the story that began with laying the white house cornerstone in 1792. Surviving the war of 1812 and countless other pivotal moments in the life of the white house and of the nation over time supporters gifts have made it possible to weave a tapestry of the american story to the present day stories discovered shared and taught through an extensive range of Educational Programs publications social media and teachers institutes. The White House Historical association and the Rubenstein Center for white house history continue mrs. Kennedys living legacy with white house Historic Preservation acquisitions and education it began with a vision and a vow that continues to sustain us as a nation. You know, although i have seen that footage many times. Theres still moments that give me chills as i reflect on the work of the association over the past 60 years and the incredible opportunities. Were going to have working with future president s and first ladies. He was really a special honor to have the daughter of president and mrs. Kennedy at the gala. Ambassador caroline, kennedy has been a wonderful friend and supporter of the association and she shared inspirational remarks on the founding and early work of the association. Its hard to believe that my mother was only 31 with a threeyearold. A newborn baby and a very busy husband when she became first lady. And its hard to believe too how much she dreaded moving into the white house . The most terrible thing has happened. She wrote to her friend bunny melon the day after the election. Jack has won. We have to move into the white house so dreary with all those curtains. She was dismayed that there was no way that visitors or visiting heads of state could learn about American History<