Inaugural Gowns of 11 Modern First Ladies Including Michelle Obama Are Featured. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History expands its popular exhibition, “The First Ladies at the Smithsonian,” with a new gallery featuring 11 gowns representing first ladies from Mamie Eisenhower to Michelle Obama, opening Wednesday, March 10. The new gallery, “A First Lady’s Debut,” focuses on the public introduction of 11 first ladies during the inauguration or beginning of her husband’s presidency and pulls from the press coverage that follows the incoming first lady between the election and the inauguration. Life-size photos of the women who have filled the role of first lady over the past 50 years, each one wearing her displayed gown, are featured in this gallery. In the center of the room is a case displaying Mrs. Obama’s one-shouldered, white-silk chiffon gown embellished with organza flowers with Swarovski crystal centers ...
