National Park Foundation Partners with White House Historical Association on the 2015 White House Christmas Ornament
WASHINGTON – In celebration of the National Christmas Tree at President’s Park (White House), the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, is partnering with the White House Historical Association, the official private partner of the White House and a cooperating association of the National Park Service, to promote the 2015 Official White House Christmas Ornament.
The 2015 ornament, designated the Official Souvenir Ornament of the National Christmas Tree and sold by the White House Historical Association, pays tribute to the tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree which began in 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas Tree on the Ellipse in front of 3,000 spectators. Since 1923, a holiday tradition of national-scale has blossomed, marked by an annual lighting ceremony and events held throughout December at President’s Park.
Crafted from shiny brass plated with nickel and 24k gold, this American-made ornament is illuminated from within and honors President Calvin Coolidge. The tree is hung with ornaments representing the events of Coolidge’s unique life and presidency.
For every purchase of the ornament made at shop.whitehousehistory.org/tree now through December 30, or by visiting the on-site kiosk adjacent to the National Christmas Tree December 5 through December 24, the White House Historical Association will donate $2 per purchase to the National Park Foundation in support of this long-standing holiday tradition and President’s Park.
The 93rd annual National Christmas Tree Lighting, being held on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 5 p.m., is a great example of the countless ways there are to find your park. Launched in March 2015, Find Your Park/Encuentra Tu Parque is a public awareness and education movement to inspire people to connect with, celebrate, and support America’s national parks and community-based programs. Celebrating the National Park Service Centennial and setting the stage for the Service's next 100 years, Find Your Park invites people to discover and share their own unique connections to our nation's natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history.
For more information, please visit thenationaltree.org and follow the National Christmas Tree on Twitter at @TheNationalTree. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #NCTL2015.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and INSPIRE the next generation of park stewards. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.
ABOUT THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1961 with the support of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, The White House Historical Association is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the Executive Mansion. The Association’s mission is to fund the acquisition of furnishings and artwork for the White House permanent collection, assist in the preservation of the historic rooms, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Learn more by visiting www.whitehousehistory.org.
The Official White House Christmas Ornament tradition began 35 years ago and each year honors a president in sequential order or a significant White House historic milestone. The ornament is made in Lincoln, Rhode Island by a veteran-owned small business and the proceeds from ornament sales directly support the Association’s nonprofit, nonpartisan mission. To learn more about all of the Association’s ornaments and other retail offerings visit shop.whitehousehistory.org.