Descriptive Entry
This accession consists of the records of Margaret Brown Klapthor, former Scientific Aide in the Civil Section of the Division of History, United States National Museum (USNM), 1944-1946; Assistant Curator of the Section of Civil History, in the Division of History, USNM, 1947-1948; Assistant Curator, 1949-1953, and Associate Curator, 1954-1956, of the Division of Civil History, USNM; and Associate Curator, 1957-1970, Curator, 1971-1984, and Curator Emeritus, 1985-1994, of the Division of Political History, National Museum of American History.
Materials consist of Klapthor's correspondence and memoranda, most of which pertains to her publications and work on the First Ladies Collection of dresses (or Collection of White House Gowns); research notes and manuscripts for the publication China for the President's House; and subject files on the First Ladies, as well as furniture and china porcelain ware at the White House. Materials also include a draft of a speech for the 50th Anniversary of the First Ladies Collection; biographical information about First Ladies; exhibition scripts; newspaper clippings, articles, and other publications pertaining to the First Ladies Collection; an inventory list of the First Ladies' dresses; some drawings and photographs of the First Ladies; and photographs of the First Ladies Collection.
