Official 2018 White House Ornament Commemorates President Harry S. Truman
The White House Historical Association honors 33rd President, his legacy and lasting impact on the White House
February 13, 2018 (Washington, D.C.) — The White House Historical Association will unveil the design of the 2018 Official White House Christmas Ornament on President’s Day, Monday, February 19. Honoring the presidency of Harry S. Truman, the ornament is designed to illustrate the three significant changes President Truman made during his administration – one to the Presidential Seal, and two to the White House itself.
One side of the ornament features the famous Truman Balcony, added to the South Portico of the White House in 1947-1948. Since then, it has become a favorite retreat for the first family and a reminder of Truman’s ambitious renovations. On the other side is a renovated Blue Room, dismantled and rebuilt
during 1948-1952. These depictions represent the most extensive work done to the White House since its restoration after the burning by the British in 1812. Lastly, The Presidential Seal reflects Truman’s change to the design – turning the American eagle to face the right, toward the olive branch of peace.
“We are honored to recognize President Truman’s legacy on the White House with this year’s Official White House Christmas Ornament,” said Stewart D. McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association. “This ornament celebrates his lasting impact on the White House and the iconic symbols his changes have become in our nation’s history.”
President Truman, a student of history and a believer in the power of symbols of great times and great men, put great consideration into the possibilities of a renovated White House. His renovations updated the White House with many modern conveniences while also preserving the exterior. His improvements have become some of the most significant features of the most recognizable building in American history.
The 38th official White House Christmas Ornament is American-made and continues the tradition of honoring U.S. presidents in sequential order.
The White House Historical Association will unveil the Official 2018 White House Christmas Ornament, honoring the presidency of Harry S. Truman, during a President’s Day celebration held by the Truman Library Institute in President Truman’s hometown of Independence, Missouri.
The sale of every Official White House Ornament supports the Association’s mission to preserve, protect, and provide public access to the White House and educate the public on its history.
The ornament is on sale beginning Monday, February 19, exclusively at the Association’s retail stores:
The White House History Shop at 1610 H Street NW, Washington D.C. 20006.
The White House Visitor Center at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006.
Online at https://shop.whitehousehistory.org/
For media inquiries, please contact [email protected] or Jessica Fredericks, Communications Director, at [email protected].
About The White House Historical Association First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. In 1961, the White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the White House Historical Association has contributed more than $47 million in fulfillment of its mission. To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit www.whitehousehistory.org.
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