History Happy Hour: Madeline at the White House

The idea for sending the beloved children's book character Madeline to the White House grew out of the friendship between the series creator Ludwig Bemelmans and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. The idea was conceived in a series of letters between the two in late 1961. Sadly, Bemelmans died in 1962 before the idea could become a reality. Fifty years later in 2011, Bemelmans's grandson, John Bemelmans Marciano, fulfilled the vision of his grandfather and Mrs. Kennedy by creating Madeline at the White House. John will join History Happy Hour to share his personal journey of bringing this story to publication.

History Happy Hour is a biweekly 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.

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