Presidential Inaugurations

There is already much buzz about the inauguration ceremonies of Barack Obama in January 2009. Certainly, the crowds will be large and the media coverage persistent. How will this inauguration compare with those of past presidents? Check out "I Do Solemnly Swear . . .": Presidential Inaugurations from the Library of Congress' American Memory. This presentation includes diaries and letters of presidents and of those who witnessed inaugurations, handwritten drafts of inaugural addresses, broadsides, inaugural tickets and programs, prints, photographs, and sheet music relating to inaugurations from George Washington's in 1789 to George W. Bush's inauguration of 2001.