anita mcbride, the former chief of staff deferred -- delivered introductory remarks. this is just over an our. >> i am anita mcbride. our associations president could not be here. i'm delighted we are hosting you at the historic decatur house. this is the perfect setting for today's presentation of the book "first ladies: presidential historians and the line of 45 iconic women." the white house historical suspicion was in fact founded by a first lady -- jacqueline kennedy in 1961. we are a nonprofit educational's association. our purpose is to enhance the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the executive mansion. one of the most important symbols of our democracy. all the proceeds from the sale of the associations books and all our product including the ever popular white house christmas ornament -- all of those proceeds are used to fund the acquisition of historic furnishing and artwork for the permanent white house collection. we also assist in the preservation of all public rooms and we further the educational mission of the history of the building and it

anita mcbride, the former chief of staff deferred --