This morning on the Today Show Jenna Bush Hager, the daughter of President and Mrs. Bush, who once lived at the White House, interviewed Mrs. Obama to see what she has added to the public tour and how she has “modernized” the White House. The Old Family Dining Room received a makeover with some new 20th century American pieces, making Mrs. Obama the first First Lady to modernize a room at the White House. She told Jenna that it was surprising to her that she was the first to do this: “It’s kind of unbelievable that we haven’t done this before. Because modern art and design is such an important part of the American tradition.” Some notable new pieces include a 1966 painting by Alma Thomas (the first African-American woman artist to be featured in the White House) and the tea service from the New York world expo. “It’s a real statement of modern craftsmanship,” said the First Lady. This room has also been added to the public tour of the White House. You can see Mrs. Obama’s complete interview that also includes some wonderful insight into their family life, including how important it is for them to have family dinners. It also mentions the girls’ love note to their Dad this Valentine’s Day that reads “When I smile you smile, when I cry you cry, when I’m happy you’re happy.”
Watch the video here: http://www.today.com/video/today/56959437#56959437
