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Introduction to the First Lady of the United States
The Costume Institute holds a press event to unveil the annual Costume Institute exhibition. In 2022, the First Lady of the United States was in attendance.
Skills
Speech Writing • Public Speaking
Storytelling • Research
Writing the Introduction to the First Lady
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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As an intern at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I was invited to introduce First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at the In America: An Anthology of Fashion press event. When preparing my remarks to introduce the First Lady of the United States, I wanted to bring together the First Lady's accomplishments, the mission of the Costume Institute, and the exhibition itself. In order to do this, I pieced together vignettes of the First Lady's life and the way fashion plays a core part of our everyday experiences.
The Speech
“Distinguished guests, good morning and welcome.
My name is Diana Montalvo. I’m a Library & Collections intern at the Costume Institute and it is my pleasure to introduce our esteemed guest.
Fashion is a space of memory. Those of us fascinated with it can remember when we realized that the lives of clothing are special. For me, it was hours spent in my grandma’s living room as she altered my choir costumes.
Our guest is not without those memories.
As a Doctor of Education, a life-long educator, and champion for increased educational opportunities for all students, she knows the buzzing of excitement as students crowd hallways in their first day of school outfits.
As a military mother and advocate for military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors, she knows the great responsibilities and uncertainties of uniform - its weight in the hands of veterans and their family members.
And, as the Costume Institute opens In America: An Anthology of Fashion, she is here with us to unveil an exhibition that explores vignettes of American memories in fashion. Memories that remember unsung talents, reckon with complex histories, and celebrate accomplishments of the American people. These features of memory on display are a piece of her everyday commitments to the People’s House.
It is with joy and honor that I welcome the First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden.”
