History Happy Hour: Designing History—The Extraordinary Art & Style of the Obama White House

History Happy Hour is a weekly virtual program hosted by the White House Historical Association. Join us as experts weigh in on a variety of historical topics, share their insights, answer audience questions, and enjoy presidential-inspired libations.

Not since Jacqueline Kennedy's iconic work on the White House has a designer of Michael Smith's stature been commissioned to bring a new design spirit to the Executive Mansion.

In this episode, internationally renowned designer Michael S. Smith's extraordinary collaboration with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will be explored through beautiful photography and behind the scene stories with the designer himself. He will share the process of updating the country's most symbolic residence which includes; collaboration on the decoration, showcasing of artworks, and style of entertaining reflected the youthful spirit of the First Family and their vision of a more progressive, inclusive American society.