Preserve, Protect, and Defend: A Selection of Presidential Artifacts

George Washington worked to set the right tone as president. He purchased this tableware from the departing French minister in 1790. Elegant and simply decorated, the pieces gave a dignified but not too regal impression of the new nation when President Washington entertained guests.

This inkwell is from President Jefferson’s home, Monticello, and was likely used by him. Beyond penning the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson spent much of his time replying to the many letters he received; he wrote nearly 20,000 letters during his lifetime.

After Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, the nation went into mourning. This tassel, from a horse that pulled the hearse, and mourning ribbon were worn while his funeral train stopped in Philadelphia. An estimated 300,000 people came to see President Lincoln’s body lying in state in Independence Hall.

These spurs were given as a gift to President Theodore Roosevelt when he visited San Antonio, Texas, for a Rough Riders reunion. Roosevelt had famously commanded the volunteer cavalry unit during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

Here is a closeup of Roosevelt's initials on the side of the spurs.

Many presidents, including Warren G. Harding, have liked to play golf. President Harding gave several untrustworthy friends cabinet positions, and his administration became known for scandal, corruption, and financial fraud. He died in office in 1923.

Fedoras became one of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s trademarks as president. During the Great Depression and World War II, his optimism and jaunty confidence inspired the nation. President Roosevelt purchased this fedora while in office.

President Harry S. Truman wore this straw cap during one of his frequent trips to Key West.

Truman's “tropical duds” caught the attention of the media, and soon, all of America. Companies and individuals sent him flamboyant shirts and hats that he selected as part of his “Key West Uniform.”

This telephone was used by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the “Little Lounge,” a room next to the Oval Office where he could relax and conduct business informally. Having served 24 years in the House and Senate, Johnson was known for using the telephone to work out deals with members of Congress.

This is one of nine audio devices installed in the White House to record President Nixon’s conversations. Richard Nixon used the sound-activated system from February 1971 until July 1973 when the existence of the recordings was publicly revealed.

Peter Rodino, Jr., the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, used this gavel during the Watergate hearings. After approving the articles of impeachment, Rodino said: “I hope we’ve done the right thing.” Nixon resigned before the U.S. House could vote on the articles.

President Ronald Reagan was given this custom-made cowboy hat as a gift. Having served as governor of California, Reagan’s public image was rooted in the American West; he vacationed as president at his ranch near Santa Barbara and was often pictured on horseback wearing rugged, western clothing.

The inside of the hat is embossed with President Reagan's name.

On March 18, 2008, at a pivotal moment of his campaign, presidential candidate Barack Obama delivered a speech about race in America at the National Constitution Center. This hard copy that he later signed was on the podium; he had it in case there was a problem with the teleprompter.