White House Historical Association to Unveil 2018 Ornament Honoring President Truman President’s Day Celebration Hosted by Truman Library Institute
Media AdvisoryIndependence, MO —
The White House Historical Association will unveil the Official 2018 White House Christmas Ornament, honoring the presidency of Harry S. Truman, during a President’s Day celebration held by the Truman Library Institute in President Truman’s hometown of Independence, Missouri. The ornament unveiling will feature remarks from Association President Stewart McLaurin and Director of the Truman Library, Dr. Kurt Graham.
During this event, the museum will display photos of the Truman White House renovation and Truman family heirlooms including a Christmas tree ornament and a silver tray that was a Christmas gift from White House staff.
Association President Stewart McLaurin will be available immediately before and after the event for interviews. McLaurin is available to speak on the 2018 ornament, previous ornaments and their significance, and the work of The White House Historical Association.
WHEN: Monday, February 19 at 10:00AM
WHERE: Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
500 W U.S. HWY 24 Independence, MO 64050
The 2018 ornament honors three major aspects of the Truman legacy: two significant renovations to the White House and a change to the presidential seal. The front of the ornament features the famous Truman Balcony, which was added to the South Portico during the 1947-48 renovations. On the back of the ornament is a depiction of the Blue Room, which was renovated during the 1948-52 renovations. The top of the ornament bears the presidential seal, redesigned by President Truman so that the eagle’s head faces the olive branches of peace, instead of the spears of war.
The White House Christmas ornament first launched in 1981 has become a sought-after and beloved collector’s item, allowing admirers of the history and elegance of the White House to share the traditions of the holidays. Each year’s ornament honors an individual president or a significant White House anniversary.
About the White House Historical Association
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.
To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.
