Special Report

Inauguration History

Every four years, the nation's capital plays host to a celebration of democracy when the president is sworn in as Commander in Chief.

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From Washington to Biden, Inauguration History

George Washington's handwritten inaugural speech, currently on display at the National Archives.

The Speech and Bible From George Washington's First Inauguration Made History Many Times Over

Donna Hayashi Smith, a curator, has been in charge of everything from borrowing famous paintings to handling a 19th-century menorah. Here, she holds a French porcelain vase from 1820.

Behind the Scenes With the White House Residence's Long-Serving Staff

The song made its debut 205 years ago—in a boat.

Why Do We Play 'Hail to the Chief' for the President?

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Behind Inaugural Speeches, Meaningful Words

The election of 1800 didn't invent the idea of a peaceful transition of power from one set of ideals to another, but it did engrave the United States into history as a democracy.

How John Adams Managed a Peaceful Transition of Presidential Power

Donna Hayashi Smith, a curator, has been in charge of everything from borrowing famous paintings to handling a 19th-century menorah. Here, she holds a French porcelain vase from 1820.

Behind the Scenes With the White House Residence's Long-Serving Staff

An engraving from the <em>Illustrated London News,</em> recorded the

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

When Was the First Inaugural Ball?

Illustration from <i>Illustrated London News</i>, April 8, 1865.

Document Deep Dive: The Menu From President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Ball

The song made its debut 205 years ago—in a boat.

Why Do We Play 'Hail to the Chief' for the President?

NMAH director John Gray, designer Hervé Pierre, First Lady Melania Trump and Smithsonian secretary David Skorton pose with the silk crepe gown.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Melania Trump Donates Her Inaugural Ball Gown to the Smithsonian

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

If Only Hollywood Would Show Us Lincoln’s Second Inaugural

Inauguration of President Kennedy on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol.

Inaugural Firsts

The six men line up before the parade begins.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Who Were the Six Native American Chiefs in Teddy Roosevelt’s Inaugural Parade?

Suffragettes march, complete with cloth banners, across the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave. and 11th St. in Washington, D.C. Photo: <a href=

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More Than One Hundred Years Ago, 5,000 Suffragettes Paraded Down Pennsylvania Avenue

Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries building decorated for James Garfield’s inaugural ball, complete with string light garlands and patriotic buntings.

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Party Like It’s 1881: President Garfield’s Inaugural Ball

Not officially on the guest list for Richard Nixon’s 1973 inaugural ball, this chicken decided to check out the scene anyway. Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution Archives

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

That Time a Chicken Crashed Nixon’s Inaugural Ball and Other Crazy Inaugural Tales

Lincoln sat at the back of the train in disguise to escape his assassins.

The Unsuccessful Plot to Kill Abraham Lincoln

U.S. Marine Band on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

After an Inauguration, the Stars Come out to Play