Letter
Letter

Object ID
2015.27.6
Object Name
Letter
Date Created
August 10, 1976
Measurements
22.0675200000 cm. W x 1.27 cm. D x 27.3050000000 cm. L, Item (Overall)
Object Description
A framed letter from the White House. The letter is typed on White House stationary and signed by President Gerald R. Ford. The letter talks about the importance of the Bicentennial. It mentions the of the past 200 years and the promise of the country's future. It explains that the Bicentennial is a time to celebrate the good and special things about America. The letter ends with the following: "As we lay the cornerstone of America's Third Century, I commend your very special part in this great national celebration."
Origin
This letter was donated by Nick Falakos. The letter was sent to his mother, Melpo, thanking her for the embroidery she sent to the White House in celebration of the United States Bicentennial, the 200th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The bicentennial was observed throughout the country through a series of celebrations and events between April 1, 1975 and July 4, 1976. The Great Hall in the Commerce Building (now the Herbert C. Hoover Building) was used as the Bicentennial Visitor Center and housed items that Americans had sent to President Gerald Ford to celebrate the occasion. One of the embroideries made by Melpo Falakos was sent to the White House and exhibited in the Great Hall, and later sent to the Smithsonian Institution.
This appears to be a "form letter", likely a message from the president enclosed with the thank you note sent to each gift-giver.
Rights and Reproduction
The content on this site is made available for research and education purposes only. The use of these materials may be restricted by law or the donor.

Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.

For questions on image rights and reproduction, please contact nhmcollections@hellenicmuseum.org
Citation
Letter, August 10, 1976, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/10959. Accessed 05/21/24.