Jacqueline Kennedy’s 1962 White House Tour Captivates Millions

The televised tour of the White House, led by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy on February 14, 1962, remains a landmark moment in American history. This hour-long program, which aired on three major networks—CBS, NBC, and ABC—provided the public with an unprecedented look at the residence and its storied past, drawing an audience of approximately 56 million viewers across the United States and an estimated 80 million worldwide.

Jacqueline Kennedy, known for her elegance and keen interest in American history, guided CBS correspondent Charles Collingwood through the ornate halls of the Executive Mansion. The tour was a product of a significant restoration project that Jacqueline initiated shortly after her husband, President John F. Kennedy, took office in January 1961. This undertaking, which cost around $2 million (equivalent to just under $21 million today), aimed to preserve the White House’s cultural heritage.

A unique collaboration among the three major networks allowed for this historic broadcast, which was both a showcase of the restored White House and an opportunity to highlight its rich history. Jacqueline Kennedy’s meticulous preparation was evident as she memorized facts about the artwork and furniture, ensuring she presented accurate details about each piece. She expressed to Clint Hill, a trusted Secret Service agent, her desire to showcase the art while maintaining accuracy: “I don’t want to confuse a McKinley piece with an Adams piece,” she said.

The production featured a stirring musical accompaniment by conductor Alfredo Antonini and was directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, who would later win an Academy Award for his work on the film “Patton.” The tour led viewers through significant areas of the White House, including the State Dining Room, the East Room, the Red Room, and the Lincoln Bedroom—places previously unseen on television.

Jacqueline Kennedy’s presentation style captivated audiences. Hill noted that her speech was “calm and soothing,” which drew viewers in. Her graceful demeanor and extensive knowledge made her an ideal host. She highlighted key artifacts, including a carved rosewood bed from the Lincoln Bedroom and French wallpaper from 1834 in the Diplomatic Reception Room, all while engaging in a lively conversation with Collingwood.

While the First Lady’s charm was evident, there was a strategic element to her efforts. Having privately raised funds for the restoration, she utilized the televised tour to attract further donations. Hill recounted that there was a wistfulness in her voice, suggesting to him that viewers might soon be reaching for their checkbooks.

The event garnered substantial acclaim, and its viewership set a record for the time. Newton N. Minow, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission at the time, later relayed a conversation with President Kennedy, who was eager to know the ratings. Minow informed him that they exceeded those of his press conferences. The tour not only reached audiences in the U.S. but was also broadcast internationally, with syndication in over fifty countries, including the Soviet Union and China.

In the years since, clips from this iconic tour have been featured in various programs, and the complete documentary has been rebroadcast on C-SPAN. The impact of Jacqueline Kennedy’s presentation continues to resonate, marking a significant moment in both television history and the cultural legacy of the White House.

The tour exemplified Jacqueline Kennedy’s commitment to preserving American history while also showcasing her own sense of style. Her choice of a dark red dress, reminiscent of a Christian Dior design, coupled with her signature pearl necklace and stylish bouffant, further solidified her status as a fashion icon of the era.

Overall, this televised tour of the White House remains a defining moment of the Kennedy administration, illustrating the First Lady’s role not just as a political spouse, but as a cultural ambassador who engaged millions with her passion for history and art.