It’s the birthday of Jacqueline Kennedy - born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier on July 28, 1929 in Southhampton, New York. At age 31 she became the First Lady of the United States, a role she filled with her passion for history and the arts.
Jacqueline’s first major project as first lady was to restore and preserve the White House. She enlisted the aid of many experts, established a White House Fine Arts Committee, and created the post of White House curator. Gathering outstanding examples of American art and furniture from around the United States (including many items that had belonged to former presidents and their families), she restored all the public rooms in the White House.
The results of her work are still visible in Lafayette Square, across from the White House in Washington, D.C. While she was first lady, she helped to stop the destruction of historic buildings along the square, including the Renwick Building, now part of the Smithsonian Institution. In New York City, she led a campaign to save and renovate Grand Central Station. Today, more than 500,000 people pass through each day and enjoy its restored beauty, thanks to her efforts.
Jacqueline Kennedy captivated the nation and the rest of the world with her intelligence, beauty, and grace.Happy birthday, Jackie!
And for those of us who can’t get enough of JBK (and really, who can?), we recommend exploring the Kennedy Library’s Life of Jacqueline B. Kennedy.
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