Two hours after President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on November 22, 1963, Lyndon Johnson, standing beside a shellshocked and blood-stained Jackie Kennedy, was sworn in as President on Air Force One at Love Field. That evening, when the plane returned to Washington, Kennedy returned to the White House, and Johnson returned to The Elms.
In 1963, there was no formal residence for the Vice President. Number One, Observatory Circle, wouldn't become the “temporary permanent residence” for the nation’s second-in-command until a public law declared it so in 1974. Instead, for the two years prior to his moving into The White House, Johnson and Lady Bird lived at The Elms at 4040 52nd Street, a 12-room, French chateau-style estate they had purchased from former ambassador to Luxembourg, socialite and infamous "hostess with the mostess" Perle Mesta.
Until December 6, when the Kennedy family moved out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the Elms would serve as a temporary White House.
Six months later, in defiance of local covenants determined to segregate the neighborhood by race, religion, and other factors, it would be sold to the government of Algeria. Read A Presidential Act of Defiance on Diplomatica Global.
Discover Algeria in-depth in Cristina Maza's 195 Series, where she explores a different country each week. https://lazo-letters.ghost.io/3-algeria/
After being forced into the virtual world due to the pandemic, the Soirée Suisse returns tonight. If you're attending (or just wish you were) learn about the changes to the grounds over the past two years in Audubon Magazine, Why Switzerland Is Growing A Native Plant Oasis in the Heart of Washington and discover more about the history of the property in The Capitol Alternative.
Around Town: Following the death of Queen Elizabeth, the United Kingdom Embassy set out condolences books and Pennsylvania Avenue was lined with the British flag.
Do you have a historic property or a new initiative at your embassy or residence we should know about? You can nominate a building or tell us more on our Nominations Form.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend, next week, or this month? Here's our curated list of the most interesting public diplomacy events happening soon.September 15, 6:00 PM - Learn and discuss Finland's decision to join NATO and its effects on the US-Finland relationship as well as the European security landscape at the Young Leaders Forum at the Embassy of Finland.September 15 and ongoing - Spain Culture kicks off their fall programming with extensive exhibits and events in New York and Washington.
Opening September 17 and ongoing - Faraway So Close: Swedish Artists Look at the United States shows how American culture and society have been depicted by prominent Swedish artists at House of Sweden.
September 20 8:30pm - The Consulate General of Switzerland in San Francisco is hosting a discussion on climate-friendly investing.
September 21 6:30pm - The Embassy of Germany hosts Andrea Wulf, who will present her just-published book ‘Magnificent Rebels’ on the German Romantics, including their influence on American thought and culture.
Ongoing - the Canadian Embassy's public art gallery is featuring Our Canada, My Story, an interactive experience developed by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The gallery is open M-F 9-5.
Are you organizing an event our readers would enjoy? Let us know and we'll include it in the next issue.
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