Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural
National Historic Site
"It Seemed Like Fairy Land": The Roosevelts and the Inaugural Ball of 1905
On March 4, 1905, Theodore Roosevelt finally enjoyed the traditional and formal inauguration that had been denied him in the tragic circumstances of 1901. As he began his second term, the event was accompanied by the traditional patriotic spectacle, a parade, and of course, a magnificent inaugural ball. Among the fortunate guests of this event was a 15-year-old Buffalo native named Elizabeth Smallwood, who later recorded the experience in great detail in a letter to her sister.
The Site's Costume Resource Center has developed a special program for adult and senior groups, inspired by this fascinating account. Also based upon research of the inauguration and ball, this program provides a vivid picture of the Roosevelt family's activities on inauguration day. It also describes in detail the gown worn by First Lady Edith Roosevelt to the ball and uses period garments from the Site's collection to illustrate the complete outfit that a proper lady of 1905 would have needed to be appropriately attired when attending such an event.
This program is held at the Site and is by reservation only. To schedule a presentation, or for fee information, please call the Site at 716-884-0095.
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