Michelle Obama donates inaugural dress to Smithsonian

Michelle Obama donates inaugural dress to Smithsonian

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The one-shoulder, white chiffon gown first lady Michelle Obama wore to the inaugural balls is going on display. On Tuesday, Mrs. Obama plans to publicly donate the gown to the first ladies collection at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. The beaded gown was a star attraction at 10 inaugural balls held in January 2009 to celebrate President Barack Obama's swearing-in. It was designed by Jason Wu (WOO') of New York. The Smithsonian Institution says all first ladies since 1912 have contributed to the collection, though not all have parted with their ball gowns. Mrs. Obama's gown will join those currently on display from Helen Taft, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosalynn Carter and Laura Bush. _Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed._