2015 Press Releases

National Archives and the White House Historical Association Presents Holidays at the White House Program on December 11
Press Release · Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Washington, DC

Panelists include HGTV’s Genevieve Gorder and Lynda Johnson Robb

Media Contacts

Washington, DC…The National Archives, in partnership with the White House Historical Association and in conjunction with its current exhibit “Making Their Mark: Stories Through Signatures,” presents an exciting panel to discuss White House holiday decorations through history. The program, titled “Deck the Halls: Holidays at the White House,” is free and open to the public and will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, on Thursday, December 11, at 7 p.m.

The program will be webcast live on the National Archives YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLI7-wRZ6uo]

 

Deck the Halls: Holidays at the White House

Join Tim Gunn, star of Project Runway, as he leads a panel discussion on White House holiday decorations through history. Over the years, first families and White House staff have adorned the White House for the holiday season with decorations that evoke the holiday spirit and reflect the times. Panelists—including Lynda Johnson Robb, daughter of President Johnson; Genevieve Gorder, host of HGTV’s White House Christmas; former White House Chief Usher Gary Walters; and Coleen Christian Burke, author of Christmas with the First Ladies–will present a visual feast of the themes, designs, and processes that go into decking the halls, rooms, and exterior of the White House. The official 2014 White House Christmas Ornament, featuring President Warren G. Harding, will be available for purchase. A book signing will follow the program.

AboutMaking Their Mark: Stories Through Signatures

A signature can be as routine as a mark on a form or as extraordinary as a stroke of the pen that changes the course of history. It can save lives or end them. Visitors can see “signature” items worn by Jackie Kennedy and First Lady Michelle Obama, and letters penned by Johnny Cash and Jackie Robinson. The exhibit is free and open to the public and is on display in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, through January 5, 2015. “Making Their Mark: Stories Through Signatures” is made possible in part by the Foundation for the National Archives with the generous support of Lead Sponsor AT&T. Major additional support provided by the Lawrence F. O’Brien Family and members of the Board of the Foundation for the National Archives.

The National Archives Museum is located on the National Mall on Constitution Avenue at 9th Street, NW. Metro accessible on Yellow or Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial station. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., daily. Free admission. Additional information on exhibits and programs at the National Archives Museum can be found online.

Reservation Instructions: Reservations for McGowan Theater programs are not required but are recommended. Use the online event registration system from the National Archives Foundation to reserve your seats:

1. Register for “Deck the Halls: Holidays at the White House” online at: archivesfoundation.org.
2. Print your email confirmation and bring it with you.
3. To reserve by phone, call 202-357-6814. Walk-ins without reservations will be admitted, depending on available seats.

Enter through the Special Events Entrance on Constitution Avenue. The doors to the building will open 45 minutes prior to the start of the program.

About the White House Historical Association: The Association is a nonprofit educational association founded in 1961 for the purpose of enhancing the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the Executive Mansion. It was created at the recommendation of the National Park Service and with the support of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. All proceeds from the sale of the Association’s books and products are used to fund the acquisition of historic furnishings and art work for the permanent White House collection, assist in the preservation of public rooms, and further its educational mission. The Association also sponsors lectures, exhibits, and other outreach programs. Thousands of schools, universities, and libraries have received free educational materials about the White House. To learn more about the Association, please visit www.whitehousehistory.org, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @WhiteHouseHstry, YouTube, or Facebook.

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For press information contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

For media inquires about the White House Historical Association, contact Lara Kline at 202-218-4316 or lkline@whha.org.

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