Please note that the following is a digitized version of a selected article from White House History Quarterly, Issue 58, originally released in print form in 2020. Single print copies of the full issue can be purchased online at Shop.WhiteHouseHistory.org No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. All photographs contained in this journal unless otherwise noted are copyrighted by the White House Historical Association and may not be reproduced without permission. Requests for reprint permissions should be directed to rights@whha.org. Contact books@whha.org for more information. Š 2020 White House Historical Association. All rights reserved under international copyright conventions.
REFLECTIONS The Ornament
in the fall of 1981, white house staff presented First Lady Nancy Reagan with the idea to create a White House Christmas Ornament that would be sold to support the ongoing work of the White House Historical Association. I have often said that, had I been in the room on that occasion, I would have likely thought it a nice idea but would not have had the foresight to know that the creation of that annual ornament would go on to achieve so much of the important work envisioned by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy when she founded the Association in 1961. Not only was the decision made to create the ornament, but it was subsequently determined that each ornament would honor the presidents in sequence, pausing to mark milestones such as the two hundredth anniversary of the White House in 2000. So a wonderful tradition was begun nearly forty years ago that has captivated Americans ever since. Each ornament represents an iconic image from a presidency, often holiday-themed, and now millions of these ornaments decorate homes across the country for the holidays. For many families the ornaments are heirlooms,
passed on to younger generations or purchased in multiples so that children and grandchildren can each have their own sets. All of the ornaments are available in our shop and on our website. At the Association, however, where education is central to our mission, we also view these ornaments as teaching tools. Each comes with a booklet, written by our historians, that tells the story of the presidency and its time in American history.
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The Official White House Christmas Ornament honoring President John F. Kennedy is revealed at the JFK Presidential Library and Museum in Boston on President’s Day, February 17, 2020. Stewart D. McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, far left, is joined by, Anita McBride, member of the Association’s Board of Directors (center).
A L L I M A G E S T H I S S P R E A D : W H I T E H O U S E H I S T O R I C A L A S S O C I AT I O N
STEWART D. M C LAURIN PRESIDENT, WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
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This grouping of nearly forty years of Official White House Christmas Ornaments reflects how the designs have evolved from the Angel Gabriel in 1981 (lower right) to President John F. Kennedy’s portrait in 2020 (center). The designs of the ornaments are now planned far in advance and over the years they have become increasingly complex. Some ornaments are two-sided, some threedimensional. Moving parts were introduced in 1984, and enamel colors in 1986. Some ornaments incorporate ceramic or porcelain ovals printed with paintings of the White House or portraits of those who have lived there. The 2009 ornament features a hologram. The 2015 ornament features a Christmas tree lit by hidden LED lights.
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I have personally purchased every one of the ornaments since the program began in 1981, and I treasure my collection. Never did I dream, as I collected those ornaments, that I would one day lead the Association and have a hand in selecting each year’s design. We are very proud for everyone to know that these ornaments are American-made by ChemArt, a veteran-founded small business in Lincoln, Rhode Island. If you visit, as I have had the privilege to do, you will see its workers making these wonderful ornaments by hand. It is truly Santa’s workshop. Each year on Presidents’ Day, we reveal that year’s design at the presidential library of the featured president. This past February we were honored to be at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston to reveal the 2020
ornament featuring Aaron Shikler’s iconic portrait of President Kennedy, which hangs in the Cross Hall of the White House. On the reverse are the poignant words of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy: “The White House belongs to the American people.” We are currently at work on the design for the 2021 ornament, which will honor the presidency of Lyndon Baines Johnson, and we are already looking forward to being with our friends at the LBJ Library in Austin, Texas, to reveal that ornament on Presidents’ Day next February. Although in recent years an emphasis on traditional philanthropy has become necessary for the Association, as you hang this year’s ornament on your family tree, take pride in knowing that your purchase is an investment in our work, for which we are truly grateful.
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