Assembled over fifty years, the Momjian collection is the largest collection of presidential china outside of the White House and includes pieces from George Washington, James Madison, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Harrison, Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and John F. Kennedy. The Momjian collection has been exhibited in numerous major museums and was seen in the Michael Douglas movie “The American President.”


Illustrated Lecture: “Entertaining at the White House”
Presented by Gail Momjian

Politics and personalities - as well as plates - are on the menu for this deliciously illustrated lecture by Gail Momjian. Ms. Momjian is the curator of the Loan Exhibit of presidential china from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Set Charles Momjian which is on display at The Main Line Antiques Show.

Ms. Momjian will dish up lively tales of two centuries of dining and entertaining styles in our nation’s most famous house.

To those who know, White House china is more than just a collection of cups and platters. Dishes and other artifacts not only reflect the tastes of the first ladies who ordered them, but are also telling of their times. Why did Martha Washington order her china from China? Why was Mary Lincoln criticized for “acting like royalty”? Is it true that some guests did not want to eat from the Rutherford Hayes china service? And why does everyone love Mrs. Grant’s dessert plates?

With examples from her family’s famous collection, photographs, and anecdotes, Gail Momjian will discuss how 18th, 19th, and 20th century decorative trends are reflected in the White House china … with their own stories to tell!