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The White House 1600 SessionsAuthor: The White House Historical Association
The White House Historical Association presents The 1600 Sessions, a podcast that explores the history, untold stories and personal accounts of America's most iconic residence and office The White House. Language: en Genres: History, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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114. Making the Official White House Christmas Ornament (VIDEO)
Episode 114
Wednesday, 21 January, 2026
For over forty years, the White House Historical Association has partnered with Beacon Design, a division of the ChemArt Company, to create the Official White House Christmas Ornament. The program was started in 1981 during the first term of the Reagan presidency when First Lady Nancy Reagan threw her support behind the idea. A new design has debuted annually with each ornament honoring a president's time in the White House, an anniversary, or historical event. Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association visited ChemArt to get a first-hand look at how the ornaments are meticulously designed and hand-assembled. The veteran and family-founded company based in Lincoln, Rhode Island makes each ornament with precision and care. Stewart toured the facility with Hamilton Davison, CEO of Beacon Design, and Dave Marquis, former president of ChemArt, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how these treasured family heirlooms are created. They also discussed the recently unveiled Official Commemorative Ornament of America's 250th Anniversary, which serves as the Official 2026 White House Christmas Ornament. It features the Declaration of Independence framed in 24-karat gold and is officially licensed with America250, a nonpartisan movement dedicated to inspiring civic participation and education in the nation. The Official Commemorative Ornament of America's 250th Anniversary is available for sale at shop.whitehousehistory.org. All proceeds from the sale of these Ornaments go directly to funding the Association's nonprofit, nonpartisan educational mission to share White House history.
