While wandering the hallowed halls of the White House, soaking in the history of the most influential seat of power in our modern world, I took a moment to look out over Jacqueline Kennedy’s Rose Garden. It was a small plot of landing with neat boxwoods bordering brick paths, swaying lavender, and an array of blooming bursts of color.
You see, when Jacqueline Kennedy arrived at the White House after her husband’s election in 1961, she was dismayed at the condition of the historic home. While there had been significant repairs and maintenance during the Truman administration, there was little actual living history that was preserved. Jackie was quoted during this time as saying:
“Everything in the White House must have a reason for being there. It would be sacrilege merely to ‘redecorate’ it — a word I hate. It must be restored, and that has nothing to do with decoration. That is a question of scholarship.” During her time as first lady, Jackie undertook a restoration of the White House that transformed it into a showcase for American presidential history.
Jackie believed that it should be furnished with antiques in the style of past presidents. It was, she thought, a museum that should reflect the artistic history of the United States. Through her extensive work, Jackie restored the White House to reflect the artistic and architectural history of the presidential mansion, as well as represent the heritage, values, and ideals of the American people.
As first lady, Jackie planned elegant state occasions, transforming the White House into a showcase for cultural and intellectual achievement. Authors, scientists, artists, musicians, and actors mingled with politicians, diplomats, and statesmen. In the East Room, she had a portable stage built for musical and dramatic performances, including a series of concerts for young people. Through these activities and others, Jackie was able to diplomatically express and define our core national values, celebrate American history and culture, and encourage Americans to take pride in their artistic and political heritage.
An inspiration for many reasons, something I gleaned from taking a moment in Jackie’s garden was how she was able to forge a path forward while honoring the past. How she took the very best ideals and values that were planted in faith by past presidents and carried them forward, while still creating space for new ideas, thoughts, and dreams to take root.
So today, I’ll be pondering how I can plant the seeds of courage, altruism, perseverance, graciousness, and above all, hope, in the hearts and heritage of my own children.
