History Happy Hour: Something Old, Something New - Eight First Daughters’ Fashionable White House Weddings

Have you ever wondered what you would wear if you got married in the White House? Eight daughters of seven presidents have had to make that choice when they had their own White House weddings! The new digital exhibit, "Something Old, Something New: Eight First Daughters’ Fashionable White House Weddings" examines the bridal styles of Maria Monroe, Elizabeth Tyler, Nellie Grant, Alice Roosevelt, Jessie Wilson, Eleanor Wilson, Lynda Bird Johnson, and Tricia Nixon to illuminate how bridal fashion changed over time and how first daughters balanced a deeply personal event with the growing public interest in White House life. Each woman blended personal taste with the fashions of their time. This exhibit offers a unique perspective of over 150 years of wedding fashion history and considers how factors such as significant public interest, the growing prominence of the press, and changing social norms shaped weddings at an iconic venue: the White House.

Join us for History Happy Hour on Thursday, June 22, to hear Jillian Staricka, an NYU Costume Studies student, discuss the bridal fashions of the eight women highlighted in her exhibit.

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.

Did you know members of the Association have access to all previous History Happy Hour episodes? Become a member here.