Nov. 22 marks the anniversary of the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. In a happier moment, 21 months earlier, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy led the nation on a televised tour of the White House.

The one-hour walk through the halls of the Executive Mansion, led by Mrs. Kennedy with CBS correspondent Charles Collingwood, gave the American people a behind-the-scenes look at the history, style, and décor of the White House. It remains a signature moment of the Kennedy years in Washington.

Shortly after the inauguration of President Kennedy in January 1961, Jacqueline undertook a massive restoration of the White House. The highly publicized project cost $2 million, or just under $21 million in today’s dollars.

Networks had approached President Kennedy about a possible televis

See Full Page