Smithsonian exhibit includes first ladies’ gowns

Posted: Monday, December 22, 2008 9:14 pm

WASHINGTON (AP) — Gowns worn by first ladies during the past 100 years are returning to public view in a revamped gallery at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The exhibit, “First Ladies at the Smithsonian,” opens Friday. The dresses include Grace Coolidge’s flapper-style evening dress and Eleanor Roosevelt’s pink gown from the 1945 inauguration reception. One of the oldest gowns in the collection, Helen Taft’s 1909 white-silk chiffon inaugural gown, will also be displayed. The gowns had been on display before the museum underwent an $85 million facelift. The museum reopened a month ago. Museum director Brent Glass says the first ladies exhibit dates back to 1914. It was the first Smithsonian exhibit to prominently feature women. Published in The Messenger 12.22.08