. >> ladies and gentlemen, please , director. john gray

of the smithsonian national museum of american history. the 13th secretary of the smithsonian institution, dr. scorton. and, the first lady of the and united states, mrs. melania trump. [applause]

>> good morning. i am john gray. i have the privilege of being your director of your natural museum of american history. we are honored to extend a special welcome to first lady trump and we are pleased to have ceremony inn our flag call. hall. to our board chair, many members of our board who are with us, and all of our distinguished guests, we welcome you and thank you for your support. millions of americans, and so many visitors from every corner of the world, walk through our first ladies gallery each year. they experience not only the and elegancendeur

of the first lady, but reflect on how in our american democracy transitions of power are celebrated peacefully. likeitions and collections the one that will house mrs. trump's gown require this skill and passion of our staff at the national museum of american history. they create with the public sees and loves, creating the transformative experience that only history can offer. we thank all of the staff who has worked on them. behind us, is the hallowed star-spangled than her, preserved for future generations with stories of america. rate is the iconic statue of george washington offering power it and the represents back to the people. these two national treasures remind us of our responsibility to foster the strongest and most vibrant democracy.

trump'sis morning, mrs. innovaro gown will be installed in the first lady's exhibition. another beautiful symbol of the enduring power of our democracy. it is a tremendous honor to have you join with the smithsonian and a tradition that goes back more than 100 years, the presentation of the first lady's inaugural gown to the smithsonian national collection. and, we thank you. [applause] here at the national museum, we preserve a collection of national treasures on the behalf of the american people to demonstrate the power of american history to help us make sense of the past and shape a more humane future. we are working to bring the nation together around those

ofdamental american ideals freedom, opportunity, and democracy that join us as a people. mrs. trump, we are grateful to you for entrusting us with this magnificent down. we ensure you it will be cared for with the same spirit and attention as our national treasures. when the gallery reopens to the public, the nation and the world will share this moment forever. to introducesure the 13th secretary of the smithsonian, who embodies so many fundamental american ideas. a first-generation american, cardiologist, flautist, champion of arts and humanities, and advocate for the most important issues of our time. [applause]

thank you, john. thank you everyone for joining us. for trump, thank you donating this and being part of the smithsonian. ,istinguished guests welcome to the national museum of american history on the national mall of the united states. this museum has been collecting gowns for the first lady's collection for more than a century. it is, and remains, one of the most popular exhibitions. of the smithsonian, i want to thank you for your generosity in allowing us to add to this collection. i began with my thanks and admiration to you mr. pierre for the design of this beautiful gallon. since its opening in 1960 four, this museum has embodied the , thisonian's -- 1964

museum has embodied the smithsonian's dedication to american history. we told the story through actions and people, both famous and obscure. we inspire students through educational programs that reach them in our museums, they are, and classrooms across the nation. object and artifacts help put that history into sharp focus. gown is the height of fashion. something that pleases us aesthetically with its beauty, craftsmanship, and elegance. the aesthetics that drive artistic endeavor capture us. it is a uniquely human response. prada said fashion is instant language. these gowns tell us much about the accomplished women who wore them. each first lady left a mark on

the white house in this nation. now mrs. trump's inaugural gown will take its rightful place among the collection that washington'sha obama's white. gown, and many others. because this is an inaugural gown, it helps underscore our values as a nation. this gown is emblematic of the peaceful transition of power that is the hallmark of this democracy. that our ideals still resonates over 200 years later. that for all of our flaws this nation is founded on a government by the people, for endure.le, and will

thanks to the administration, congress, and everyone here at the national museum of american history for helping us in our mission to educate and inspire. it is my honor to ask you to join me in welcoming the first lady of the united states, melania trump. [applause] susan: thank you -- mrs. trump: thank you, so much. it is an honor to be here today. i want to start by thinking director gray and the secretary for the wonderful introduction. staff at the smithsonian has been a true pleasure to work with. thank you for everything that you do to preserve part of our nations history.

historians and curators, you have such an important role on behalf of our country. i may be the one on stage, i want to take a moment to introduce you to the person behind my gorgeous coture piece. thank you pla. please, stand up. [applause] , for all you did to create such a wonderful piece. you are a true artist and a real professional. you know, before being elected president, my husband was never in politics. won, weimagine after he were very busy with all that goes into preparing for a new administration and all of the changes that we, as a family, would be facing.

to be honest, what i would wear to the inaugural ball was the last thing on my mind. by the time i got around to choice, heout my was only given two weeks to design this piece. we had never worked together before, but i knew of his stellar reputation and wanted to work with someone who would do more than just design address. . i wanted someone who would collaborate with me. a passion for design from a young age and had a very precise idea of what i wanted for such a historic evening. vision, issing my

discussed a desire for modern, sleek lines and a unexpected look. tocan be a daunting task choose an outfit that will become part of our nation's story and history. i was so pleased with our end result. this piece is one of the pieces of the great beginnings of our family and washington dc. we are honored to represent this country. this missoni and has the unique honor to freeze time. the story of our nations history. i am so honored and grateful to become part of this history. and thank you all for being here with me today.

god bless you, and god bless the united states of america. [applause] [applause]

[applause] ladies and gentlemen, members of the media, please remain in your seat or position while the gown is removed from the stage to be installed in the first lady's exhibition. for those members of the media who have been assigned to the press pool for the first lady's at theion, you will meet east elevator, which is just adjacent to the star-spangled banner gallery entrance. in just a few minutes.

for our special guests and other members of the press, we invite you to a coffee reception in the west wing, which will be to your left just beyond the george washington statue. for those guests who wish to depart at this time, we will shortly be opening the mall exit to madison drive. there will be a 15 minute departure window. coats can be retrieved at that access. we anticipate access to the first lady's exhibition for media and guests will begin later this morning. to a close.t coming if you missed any of it you can see it at c-span.org