Name/Title
2010 White House Historical Association Christmas Ornament McKinleyEntry/Object ID
2015.4.45Description
According to the insert: "The 2010 White House Christmas ornament honors the twenty-fifth president of the United States, William McKinley, and celebrates the role of music in the traditions of the White House. The McKinley administration (1897-1901) is remembered as a time when the nation moved beyond its continental boundaries to become an international power. The American people idolized McKinley during his Presidency, so suddenly cut short by an assasin's bullets six months into his second term.
In celebration of the nation's patriotic mood as the century turned, the illustrations commissioned for the 2010 ornament feature festive, colorful scenes from the annual Army Navy Reception at the White House in 1900. The front face of the ornament depicts members of the United States Marine Band performing on the snow covered North Drive as arriving guests disembark from their carriages. The reverse side of the ornament shows the band playing patriotic airs for President and Mrs McKinley and their party in the flag bedecked splendor of the East Room. It was in this High Victorian East Room that the McKinleys enjoyed 'musicales' (social events with a short concert), a white House tradition that continues to this day."
"The ornament is made of highly polished brass that has been electroplated first with nickel and then with 24-karat gold (pure gold). The color enamels are applied one at a time; after each application the ornament is placed in an oven to bake the enamel and create the hard, durable finish."
the ornament is in a collectible, lidded box. The lid of the box features the same image as the front of the ornament. The words "The White House historical Association" are printed in White below the image. The words Christmas Ornament 2010" are printed in gold beneath the white lettering. The back of the box is blue, with the music "Hail to the Chief" superimposed on it. There is an etching of the White House and the words 'The White House Historical Association' in blue on a white background. The words "Visit whitehousehistory.org or call 1.800.555.2451" and the bar code beneath the etching.
The ornament also includes an eight-page insert booklet telling about the ornament and giving a brief synopsis of McKinley's life and Presidency.Collection
ScarmuzziAcquisition
Accession
2015.4.0Source or Donor
Patricia A. ScarmuzziAcquisition Method
Gift