The Smithsonian had an exhibit about the Presidents and First Ladies when I visited a couple of years ago. It featured many artifacts including dresses, a car, campaign materials and even some promotional products that were downright mean.
My approach to museum appreciation is scattered. Sometimes I read all the signs and study all the things. However, on this trip, I found myself simply marveling at some of the items and what they represent. For example, I used to play the saxophone so I have seen a few but seeing Bill Clinton’s saxophone was an entirely different experience.
Pictured here is the state china service chosen by First Lady Julia Dent Grant. Imagine the important people who dined from this gorgeous floral pattern. It’s still so vibrant!
This armchair sat in George Washington’s bedroom at Mount Vernon. In that same case, you’ll find a surveyor’s compass that was gifted to Washington in 1782.
The real show stopper for me was this top hat that was worn by Abraham Lincoln the night he was assassinated. The hat was handmade by a Washington hat maker. Notice the silk mourning band that was added in remembrance of his son Willie. It is hard to see in this case but simply standing before it was an incredibly moving experience.
Another important piece that truly meant something to me was this CBS radio microphone used by FDR to broadcast his fireside chats. From 1933 to 1944, he broadcast more than 30 chats, offering a reassuring tone and helping the American people to develop a rapport with their President.
Young people today are so accustomed to political leaders Tweeting all the time and monopolizing the 24/7 news cycle they don’t know what it was like to not have some intimate familiarly with their president. I imagine it was a true gift for our citizens to hear from him as we struggled through the frightening days of the Great Depression and the Second World War.
Have you ever seen something in a museum that stopped you in your tracks? This has happened to me so many times but it never ever gets old. Tell me your stories!
At the Mesa Verde museum they had two belts that were woven from dog hair. They had been found in a pot in a cliff dwelling and looked new, though hundreds of years old. The weaving was so fine, it could have been done on the most precision industrial loom. I was absolutely fascinated. This was back in the 80s when I first went there. They may not be on display anymore.
Isn’t it amazing what people before us were able to achieve without benefit of technology? That sounds incredible.