Jacqueline Kennedy’s Iconic 1962 White House Tour Captivates Millions

On February 14, 1962, Jacqueline Kennedy hosted a groundbreaking televised tour of the White House, offering a unique glimpse into the historic residence of the President of the United States. This one-hour program, broadcast on three major networks—CBS, NBC, and ABC—drew an unprecedented audience, with an estimated 56 million viewers tuning in, marking a significant moment in American television history.

The tour followed a $2 million restoration of the White House, equivalent to nearly $21 million today, initiated shortly after the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy in January 1961. The ambitious project aimed to preserve the artistic heritage of the Executive Mansion and was heavily publicized, leading to a collaborative documentary that showcased the home’s history and décor.

Jacqueline Kennedy, known for her sophistication and style, took the lead in this tour, guided by CBS correspondent Charles Collingwood. Her meticulous preparation encompassed not only the historical facts but also the names of artists and donors whose contributions adorned the White House. She expressed her commitment to accuracy, stating, “I have to make absolutely certain I know what I’m going to say, and make sure I’m accurate.” This dedication to detail was evident throughout the program.

The hour-long tour explored significant spaces within the White House, including the State Dining Room, the East Room, the Red Room, and the Lincoln Bedroom, where cameras had never filmed before. The visual and auditory experience was enriched by a musical score composed by Alfredo Antonini, enhancing the overall impact of the presentation.

Jacqueline’s outfit—a dark red dress inspired by Christian Dior—was complemented by a three-strand pearl necklace and her signature bouffant hairstyle. While her Secret Service agent Clint Hill had reservations about her attire, describing it as “not doing her justice,” it did not detract from her confident and engaging delivery. Hill noted that she appeared “extremely confident and excited to share the interior of the White House with the American people.”

The tour’s reach extended beyond American shores, as it was syndicated to 50 countries, including the Soviet Union and China. Overall, it is estimated that around 80 million viewers worldwide experienced the presentation. The program’s viewership even surpassed the number of individuals who had visited the White House in its 162-year history.

Jacqueline Kennedy’s presentation style captivated audiences, as she discussed the intricacies of the White House décor with a soothing and articulate tone. Hill recalled that her voice conveyed a sense of wistfulness, suggesting she aimed to inspire potential donors to contribute to the ongoing restoration efforts. Notably, Jacqueline had already privately raised much of the funding required for the décor with the endorsement of the Fine Arts Committee.

Among the prominent artifacts highlighted during the tour were the carved rosewood bed in the Lincoln Bedroom, French wallpaper from 1834 in the Diplomatic Reception Room, and a 1796 portrait of George Washington. While President Kennedy made a brief appearance, the spotlight remained firmly on the First Lady, who emerged as the perfect hostess for this historic tour.

The documentary’s impact was recognized within the industry, as it earned director Franklin J. Schaffner the Directorial Achievement Award from the Directors Guild of America. Following the broadcast, Newton N. Minow, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, reported to President Kennedy that the ratings had surpassed those of his press conferences.

Jacqueline Kennedy’s tour of the White House not only showcased the elegance and history of the presidential residence but also solidified her role as a cultural icon. The program’s legacy continues to resonate, as clips are frequently featured in various television programs, and the full tour has been rebroadcast on networks like C-SPAN in recent years.

This pivotal moment in American history remains a testament to Jacqueline Kennedy’s enduring influence and her commitment to preserving the legacy of the White House for future generations.