Briana Zavadil White

For over two centuries, people have witnessed in awe the Inauguration ceremonies of the President and Vice President of the United States. Join Smithsonian experts as they share historical facts, stories, and connections with museum objects that that surround these events — from the first Inauguration of George Washington to the upcoming Inauguration of Barack Obama. These interactive sessions will give you a deeper appreciation for this quadrennial occasion and its place in history, whether you take part in the 57^th Inauguration as an eyewitness in Washington, D.C., or as a spectator from home.

The nation’s only complete collection of portraits of the presidents outside the White House, the “America’s Presidents” exhibition lies at the heart of the National Portrait Gallery’s mission to tell the American story through the individuals who have shaped it.  During this session, you’ll take a close look at how the portrayal of the president has changed over time, with special attention to George Washington and Barack Obama, as our first and current president.  We’ll also discuss images of Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy and demonstrate how their portraits reflect key moments in American and art history.

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