Raab’s Guest Curator Stewart McLaurin Annotates a Selection of Historical Documents that Sheds Light on Presidents and First Ladies
Stewart McLaurin serves as president of the White House Historical Association, which was founded in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to share and preserve the rich history of the White House. In his eleven years as president, Stewart has expanded the Association’s cultural and educational programming through award-winning books, popular video series, and virtual and in-person events to ensure White House history is preserved for future generations.
White House History Exhibit Curated by Stewart McLaurin
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Redesigns the White House Library
This signed letter by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, founder of the White House Historical Association and an organization I’ve now served as president of for over ten years, represents the very heart of our mission to this day. Early in President John F. Kennedy’s presidency, Mrs. Kennedy developed a 12-member Fine Arts Committee to memorialize America’s finest furniture and artwork in the White House. Her vision of preservation and education cultivated a new meaning for the Executive Branch – truly transforming it into The People’s House.
A Signed Photograph of the Inauguration of John F. Kennedy, Showing Him Taking the Oath of Office
Through this image alone, we collectively recall one of the most famous lines of any speech: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” This speech, which is considered one of the best inauguration speeches in American history, continues to ring true through each chapter of our nation.
“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Vision For America’s Future
President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s vision of preserving and defending democracy abroad lay in the belief that our citizens’ moral qualities were of the greatest significance. As a General, he instinctively understood the need for Americans to practice a spiritual and intellectual lifestyle inspired by “moral and physical courage and patriotism.” Eisenhower navigated the unknown through this reflective lens, which explained his popularity.
Eleanor Roosevelt and the Dawn of the United Nations
This signed document symbolizes the great undertaking that has served as a cornerstone of international relations for the nearly eight decades following World War II. After President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death, President Harry Truman invited First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to serve as a delegate to the United Nation’s General Assembly. Throughout her tenure in the White House, she stood for human rights and feminist activism. She lived by the principle that countries should agree to govern through allyship “as a standard of conduct for all.”
The Civil War Won, General Ulysses S. Grant Praises Union Troops for Saving the Union
General Ulysses S. Grant is remembered as one of our nation’s greatest patriots. This letter is especially unique as he communicates his personal feelings about the Union soldiers under his command as well as his appreciation for their unwavering loyalty. President Lincoln and General Grant greatly respected one another, with Grant reflecting upon Lincoln’s death, “To know him personally was to love and respect him for his great qualities of heart and head, and for his patience and patriotism.” Grant’s similar devotion and leadership are evident in this letter.
In addition to its contents, this letter to Secretary McHenry is extraordinary in another manner. It was personally held by both President George Washington and President John Adams. In this letter, Washington expresses his friendly relationship with Adams, which was all the more significant as these two men were the first to exercise the peaceful transfer of power. Furthermore, President Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams were the first residents of the White House.
First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln Works to Find Jobs for Women During the Civil War
Before Mrs. Roosevelt and Mrs. Kennedy, First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln was one of the first to define the role and influence of the president’s wife. In addition to hosting events for esteemed guests of varied backgrounds, she was a champion for equality. She supported the founding of a female nursing corps and was personally invested in women’s career growth in the Treasury and War Departments. In addition, she was the first hostess to welcome an African American guest to the White House.
President Abraham Lincoln holds first place in the number of biographies written about anyone in history. Walt Whitman, a friend of Lincoln’s, wrote what is perhaps his most famous poem following Lincoln’s death. This letter to an editor at the North American Review shows that even 20 years after Lincoln’s death, Whitman, who was deeply moved by the assassination, continued to write in his memory.
President Roosevelt, who suffered from paralysis due to polio in 1921, sought therapeutic exercise at Warm Springs, a center in Georgia. He financially invested in the property, and in 1927, the Warm Springs Foundation was born. In honor of Roosevelt’s birthday, a young girl donated to the center. Roosevelt’s “informal chats” by radio and his personal thanks by letter conveyed the authentic image of a heartfelt and decent leader who carried the nation through difficult times.
To learn more about Stewart McLaurin, the White House Historical Association, and Raab’s Guest Curators program, view our press announcement.
