secretary skorton. [applause] david skorton: thank you, john. thanks everyone for joining us. mrs. trump, thank you for donating this and being part of the smithsonian. thank you. distinguished guests, welcome to the smithsonian's national museum of american history on the national mall of the united states. this museum, as director gray said, has been collecting gowns for the first ladies collection for more than a century. and it is and remains, one of the most popular exhibitions in the entire smithsonian. on behalf of the smithsonian, i want to thank you again, mrs. trump, for allowing us to add to this collection. i began with my thanks and admiration to you, mr. pierre, for the design of this beautiful gown. since its opening in 1964, this museum has embodied the smithsonian's dedication to telling america's story to millions of national and international visitors every year. we tell that story through the words and actions of people, both famous and obscure. we inspire students through educational programs that reach them here in our museums and in their homes and classrooms

david skorton. [applause] >> and the first lady of the united states, mrs. melania trump. [applause] >> good morning and welcome. 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. it is a thrill to have you with us, and we are privileged to have this donation ceremony in our flag hall. the secretary of the smithsonian and the designer of the dress. 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 importance, grandeur, and elegance of the first lady, but reflect on how in our american democracy transitions of power are celebrated peacefully. exhibitions and collections like 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 crea

i want to start by thanking director john gray and the secretary skorton for the wonderful introductionstaff here at the smithsonian has been a true pleasure to work with. thank you for everything that you do to preserve part of our nation's history. as historians and curators, you have such an important role on behalf of our country. while i may be the one on stage, i want to take a moment to introduce you to the person behind my gorgeous couture piece. thanksigner, mr. pierre, you, herve. please stand up. [applause] for all thatrve, you did to create such a wonderful piece. you are a true artist and a real professional. as most of you know, before being elected president, my husband was never in politics. so you can imagine after he won, we 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. in fact by the time i got around , to thinking about my wardrobe choice, he was only given two and produce this couture piece. w