“When Michelle Gullion, the curator at the National First Ladies Library, entered Monte Durham’s ‘Jackie Room,’ she was left in awe. Adorning every wall were framed pictures, articles, documents, posters, china plates, and shadow boxes – a private collection of Jackie Kennedy artifacts curated by the bridal fashion consultant. Notably, he even showcased a reproduction Jackie gown in the room for us to see.”
A John Kennedy-style rocker sat in the room, stacks of books were everywhere, and a glass cabinet was filled with more china, dolls and books.
After admiring Monte Durham’s impressive collection of Jackie Kennedy artifacts in his “Jackie Room,” Durham turned to Michelle Gullion, the director of collections and research at the National First Ladies Library, and expressed that he wanted to donate it all to the museum. Gullion was so taken aback that she was left speechless by the generous offer.
Durham and Gullion are now excited to share the sprawling collection with the public when “Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis” opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday with curator-led tours at the National First Ladies Library and First Ladies National Historic Site, 205 Market Ave. S.
Michelle Gullion acknowledged that for a museum professional, being granted access to someone’s home and entrusted with the contents of an entire room is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. She also expressed that it’s a significant responsibility to be tasked with caring for someone’s beloved collection.
Finding a good steward for the prized items made it easier to let go of them, said Durham, who has served as the fashion director at Bridals by Lori, the bridal salon featured on the former TLC television show “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta.”
“I just thought this really needs to be seen and shared,” the Virginia resident said of the donation. “And I felt this is the right thing to do.
“The first ladies museum is a teaching museum, so the thought that it’s going to educate and inspire and teach others to look at our current and former first ladies” compelled him to gift his collection.
In addition to donating his impressive collection to the National First Ladies Library, Monte Durham will also be attending a private reception on Monday and a meet and greet with the public from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, coinciding with the opening of the exhibit. Those interested in attending the meet and greet are encouraged to register for free through the provided link.
The Jacqueline Kennedy-themed exhibit will be open through April 27, 2024. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $7 for adults; $6 for those age 62 and older; $5 for ages 3 to 17; and children 2 and under are admitted free.
During a phone interview, Durham chatted about his intrigue with Jackie Kennedy, unique items that will be on display in Canton, a new line of Jackie-inspired wedding gowns he’s designed, and the status of his involvement with “Say Yes to the Dress.”
“I’m from West Virginia originally,” Durham said. “The president-elect was coming through the state, and my mother took a liking to Jackie at that point. We were coming in behind (First Lady) Mamie Eisenhower. And my mother mimicked Jackie her entire life. She looked like her, she was (5-foot-8), the whole thing. There was a huge push in West Virginia for the Kennedys … (and) we were one of the states that pushed (John F. Kennedy) into the presidency, and they made a huge impact visually coming into our home state.”
Reading about the iconic first lady and studying her life, Durham also admires the way in which she carried herself with grace and class, as well as strength following her husband’s assassination in 1963.
“The 1960s were a time of significant change, and it’s remarkable to imagine a 32-year-old woman stepping into such a role unprepared. Despite this, Jackie Kennedy did an outstanding job, and I believe her appreciation of history, family, and duty are what truly resonates with us today.”
“One of my favorite articles in the quirky collection … is I have a fishing lure with Jackie’s head on it in the original box,” Durham said. “I think that’s one of the craziest things.”
Gullion, of the First Ladies Library, said the lure has a bobber in the shape of Jackie’s head.
“It was made in 1962, and Monte framed it in a shadow box,” she said. “He doesn’t know much more about this oddity, but this is the type of unexpected thing that brings me joy.”
Another favorite collectible of Durham’s is a receipt from a pair of sunglasses Jackie had purchased while shopping in Georgetown when John Kennedy was a senator.
Visitors to the exhibit will have the opportunity to view a replica of Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress, which Monte Durham describes as the centerpiece of the display. According to Durham, it has been said that Jackie Kennedy initially wanted a simple and clean dress, which was her signature style. However, John Kennedy’s father insisted that she look like a traditional bride. The original dress, which was designed by Ann Lowe, an African-American designer and trailblazer, featured 50 yards of ivory silk taffeta, a portrait neckline, a voluminous bouffant skirt, and delicate wax flowers.
Asked if it’s difficult to bid farewell to his Jackie mementoes, Durham said: “It was just a good feeling, it was the right time and the right thing, and it just felt good to do it.”
Jackie’s spirit still remains at his home in the form of magazine covers, plates and a portrait. But “that, too, will be joining the ranks of the other collection,” said Durham, who plans to bring those items to the First Ladies Library next week.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Durham said, TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” went on hiatus and hasn’t returned.
However, Durham said it’s been rewarding to be part of “Say Yes to the Prom,” which has treated hundreds of high school girls in underserved communities in Atlanta and Los Angeles to an all-expenses-paid prom, including makeup and a dress, said Durham, owner of Salon Monte in Alexandria, Virginia, where he cuts and styles hair.
“It’s very, very satisfying,” he said.
Asked about future projects, including a return to television, in his characteristically upbeat voice, Durham replied: “There are some other irons in the fire, but it’s just that. We’ll see what happens.”
Durham was gleeful when revealing that he’s designed a new line of wedding gowns scheduled for release later this year, possibly August.
“Nobody knows this yet … but I just finished five sketches of wedding gowns that are to be manufactured under my brand,” he said.
Revealing what he called “the secret to the gown,” Durham said there will be a Jackie Kennedy-inspired design element − a tuxedo bow on every gown.
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