Wednesday, January 14, 2009

History Lesson

History Lesson (Jan. 13-16, Jan. 19; National Archives and Records Administration; Constitution Ave. & 7th St.) It’s obvious that Inauguration is on everyone’s mind, and lucky for you, National Archives and Records Administration is hosting a one of a kind event which helps you brush up on your presidential history while watching some amazing historic footage of the inaugurations of past Presidents Herbert C. Hoover (1929) through Bill Clinton (1993). The viewing schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, January 13
Herbert Hoover Inaugurated, 1929
Excerpt from The Open Mind, 1933
President Truman Inauguration, 1948
80 minutes
Wednesday, January 14
Dwight D. Eisenhower Inauguration, 1953
CBS Coverage of John F. Kennedy Inauguration, 1961
90 minutes
Thursday, January 15
Lyndon B. Johnson Inauguration, 1965
Richard Nixon: The Inaugural Story, 1969
90 minutes
Friday, January 16
Gerald R. Ford Inauguration, 1974
Jimmy Carter Inauguration, 1977
Ronald Reagan Inaugural Ceremony, 1981
120 minutes
Monday, January 19, at noon
George Herbert Bush Inauguration, 1989
William Clinton Inaugural Ceremony, 1993
120 minutes

Renewing America's Promise

“Renewing America’s Promise” is the theme that surrounds this year’s upcoming Inauguration. It is based on the emphasis President-elect and Vice President-elect have committed “to restoring opportunity and possibility for all and re-establishing America’s standing as a beacon of hope around the world.”
The Inauguration schedule is as follows: Jan. 17 – President elect Obama, vice-president elect Biden and their families will travel to D.C. and will make appearances in Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore. Jan. 18 – The official starting event, set on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, will be open to the public and kick starts the inaugural festivities ahead. For those of us unlucky souls who are unable to see the event live, it will be broadcast live exclusively on HBO. Jan. 19 - To honor Dr. Martin Luther King, President-elect Obama, Vice- President elect Biden and their families will participate in events and activities around the D.C area. Jan. 20 - On the steps of the U.S. Capitol, the oath into office will be administered and President elect Obama will then deliver his inaugural address to the nation. (Note: Those who come to witness the swearing-in ceremony will be able to view the ceremony on large screens set up along the National Mall.) Jan. 20 – The Presidential Inauguration Parade begins at 2:30 p.m and runs along Pennsylvania Avenue and around the National Mall. Viewing stands will be set up from 3rd to 17th Sts.
For a more detailed map of the parade route, visit: http://dc.about.com/library/maps/blmapinauguration.htm.

January Events in Washington D.C.

An Evening of Inaugural Style (01/15/2009; 5:30p.m., Macy's Metro Center, 1201 G St. NW) Washingtonian Magazine fashion editor Jill Hudson Neal will give styling advice while models showcase gorgeous evening wear as we ready ourselves for the busy inauguration season ahead.
First Ladies at the Smithsonian (National Mall at 14th Street and Constitution Ave, NW) Just in time for the inauguration, The National Museum of American History presents the “First Ladies at the Smithsonian” exhibition which includes the dazzling ensembles and items belonging to the wives of past president’s. The collections include this first lady's contribution to the presidency and her country, a swift evolution of the First Ladies Collection, and the tradition of the all-important inaugural gown. In addition to clothing items, the exhibit also features prized personal possessions from amazing women like Grace Coolidge, Jackie Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Helen Taft, just to name a few.
Taking the Oath The "Taking the Oath" exhibit at The National Archives will begin running from Jan. 12-25 and features much of first President George Washington’s original documents in which he penned thoughts on the Presidential oath of office. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The Archives will also be screening the Inaugural swearing-in ceremony and parade on January 20th in the William G. McGowan Theater.
A Century Ago: They Came as Sovereign Leaders (Jan. 14- Feb. 7; The National Museum of the American Indian; Fourth Street & Independence Ave SW). This exhibitions displays beautiful photographs of the six Native chiefs featured in President Theodore Roosevelt's inaugural parade of 1905.
Aretha Franklin and the Let Freedom Ring Choir (Jan. 19, 2009; 6 p.m.; Kennedy Center; 2700 F St. NW). The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University will celebrate Martin Luther King by hosting a musical celebration, featuring the incredible vocals of songstress Aretha Franklin, Nuttin’ but Stringz, and the Let Freedom Ring Choir. Free tickets are required and will be distributed one per person in front of the Concert Hall on January 19th.