A black-tie gala to kick off the opening of theSmithsonian exhibition, “The AmericanPresidency: A Glorious Burden” drew sons anddaughters of former presidents along with ahost of prominent Washingtonians to theSmithsonian’s American History Museum onthe evening of November 14. The seated dinnerfeatured tables set in the styles of theGeorge Washington, James Monroe, AbrahamLincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and John F.Kennedy Administrations. The Kennedy tableswere in rounds, as Jackie Kennedy was the firstto introduce round tables to the White House.The exhibit showcases over 900 objects relatedto the 41 men who have held the nation’s highestoffice, among them: Thomas Jefferson’swooden lap desk on which he penned theDeclaration of Independence, the carriageUlysses S. Grant rode to his second inaugurationand the top hat worn by Abraham Lincolnon the night of his assassination.