Joint Resolution Naming National Cultural Center as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with Signing Pen
Artifact IDMO 63.336a-c
Object Type
Resolution
Date
January 23, 1964
Place MadeWashington, D.C., United States, North America
Medium
Typewritten document (2 pages), pen
DimensionsOverall H 22 3/4 in x W 27 1/2 in (57.8 cm x 69.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionTwo page Joint resolution renaming the National Cultural Center as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The second page is signed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate and at the lower left by President Lyndon B. Johnson and dated 1/23/64. The resolution is framed together with the pen President Johnson used to sign the resolution.
Historical NoteThis resolution renaming the National Cultural Center as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, along with the signing pen, was presented to Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower first signed legislation creating a National Cultural Center, to be located in Washington, DC, in 1958. In 1961 First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy became Honorary Chairman of the Center's Board of Trustees. Supportive of the idea of bringing culture to the nation's capital, President and Mrs. Kennedy launched a $30 million fundraising campaign for the Center’s construction. Speaking at the kick-off fundraising event--a $100 a plate variety performance gala called "An American Pageant of the Arts"--President Kennedy said, "In a democratic society, we have a special responsibility to the arts, for art is the great Democrat, calling forth creative genius from every sector of society, disregarding race, or religion, or wealth, or color."
Construction of the Center began late in 1964 and was completed in 1971. Its first performance was held on September 5 with the premier of Leonard Bernstein's "Mass."
Additional DetailsPresident Dwight D. Eisenhower first signed legislation creating a National Cultural Center, to be located in Washington, DC, in 1958. In 1961 First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy became Honorary Chairman of the Center's Board of Trustees. Supportive of the idea of bringing culture to the nation's capital, President and Mrs. Kennedy launched a $30 million fundraising campaign for the Center’s construction. Speaking at the kick-off fundraising event--a $100 a plate variety performance gala called "An American Pageant of the Arts"--President Kennedy said, "In a democratic society, we have a special responsibility to the arts, for art is the great Democrat, calling forth creative genius from every sector of society, disregarding race, or religion, or wealth, or color."
Construction of the Center began late in 1964 and was completed in 1971. Its first performance was held on September 5 with the premier of Leonard Bernstein's "Mass."
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a member of the general public to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President after the death of President Kennedy in 1963, it was transferred to General Service Office and held until donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineBequest of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy; John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view