Presidential Inaugurations: 1929-1965

This page contains primary source materials related to presidential inaugurations from 1929 to 1965. Select a link below to jump directly to a description of that president's inauguration along with related digitized materials from the Library's collections.

31. Herbert Hoover	32. Franklin D. Roosevelt	33. Harry S. Truman
34. Dwight D. Eisenhower	35. John F. Kennedy	36. Lyndon B. Johnson

Herbert Hoover

The thirty-first president of the United States, Herbert Hoover served one term as president (1929-32).

Inauguration - March 4, 1929

Facts*

First Inaugural ceremony recorded by talking newsreel.
President and Mrs. Hoover, Vice President Curtis, members of the JCCIC, members of the PIC, cabinet members, Chief Justice and Mrs. Taft, Speaker and Mrs. Longworth, and the G.A.R. guard of honor returned to the White House for a private luncheon before the parade.

[Herbert Hoover, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing slightly right] / Underwood & Underwood, Washington. [1928(?)]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

[Chief Justice William H. Taft administering the oath of office to Herbert Hoover on the east portico of the U.S. Capitol, March 4, 1929]. National Photo Company Collection. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

[President Hoover's inauguration, March 4, 1929]. National Photo Company Collection. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

The inaugural charity ball. 1929. National Photo Company Collection. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

[President Hoover and Mrs. Hoover standing in reviewing stand, watching soldiers march by during Hoover's inaugural parade]/ 1929. National Photo Company Collection Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

The thirty-second president of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected president four times (1933-45).

First Inauguration - March 4, 1933

Facts*

Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt attended St. John’s Church for a morning worship service, beginning a new tradition.
FDR used the Roosevelt family bible for all four Presidential Inaugurations. It is the oldest Inaugural Bible, printed in 1686, and the only one written in a modern foreign language: Dutch.
The Roosevelts had planned to host a buffet luncheon at the White House for several hundred guests after the Inauguration. However, at the last minute, Mrs. Roosevelt cancelled the luncheon in deference to the passing of Senator Thomas J. Walsh, recently deceased. Roosevelt had selected Senator Walsh to serve as attorney general.

Elias Goldensky, photographer. [Franklin Delano Roosevelt, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing slightly left]. 1933. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

[Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Herbert Hoover in convertible automobile on way to U.S. Capitol for Roosevelt's inauguration, March 4, 1933]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Barbee, David Rankin, "Inaugural Balls of the Past," in the Inaugural Program, Inauguration. Franklin D. Roosevelt President of the United States....1933. Harold L. Ickes Papers. Library of Congress.

[Aerial view of U.S. Capitol and crowd on the grounds of the east front of the U.S. Capitol, during the inauguration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, March 4, 1933]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Invitation to White House Luncheon Buffet, March 4, 1933. Harold L. Ickes Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.

Second Inauguration - January 20, 1937

Facts*

First president inaugurated on the January 20th date, a change pursuant to by the 20th Amendment to the Constitution.
First time the vice president-elect was inaugurated outside on the same platform with the president-elect. No vice presidential address was given.
The President and First Lady hosted around 600 guests for a buffet luncheon at the White House in the state dining room and East Room. They served hot coffee, sandwiches, and cake.

Harris & Ewing. [Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes administering the oath of office to Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the east portico of the U.S. Capitol, January 20, 1937]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

[Composite image of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's first and second inaugurations, each flanked by portraits of Roosevelt and John Nance Garner, March 4, 1933 and January 20, 1937]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

[Invitation to the Inauguration Ceremonies], January 20, 1937. Harold L. Ickes Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.

Third Inauguration - January 20, 1941

Facts*

First president to take the oath of office for a third term.
President and Mrs. Roosevelt hosted 1,200 guests at the White House for a buffet luncheon consisting of tomato soup, salad, beef, ham, tongue, cake, ice cream, and coffee.

Royden Dixon, photographer. Inauguration day, 1941, Washington, D.C. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Inauguration Ceremonies Program, January 20, 1941. Harold L. Ickes Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.

[Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes administering the oath of office to Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the east portico of the U.S. Capitol, January 20, 1941]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

[President Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivering his inaugural address on the east portico of the U.S. Capitol, January 20, 1941]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Fourth Inauguration - January 20, 1945

Facts*

First and only time a president was inaugurated for a fourth term. (The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1951, restricts the presidency to two terms.)
At the height of WWII, Franklin D. Roosevelt's fourth Inauguration was simple and austere with no fanfare or formal celebration following the event. There was no parade because of gas rationing and a lumber shortage.

The Order of Service for Saturday, January 20, 1945, at 10:00 am Before the Inauguration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt as President of the United States, January 20, 1945. Harold L. Ickes Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.

J. Sherrel Lakey, photographer. Inauguration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt at White House.

[Ticket to the White House Inauguration Ceremonies], January 20, 1945. Harold L. Ickes Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.

Crowd stands in snow for inauguration - Washington, D.C., Jan. 20 / Harris & Ewing Photos. 1945. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Harry S. Truman

The thirty-third president of the United States (1945-53), Harry S. Truman assumed the presidency upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 12, 1945.

Oath of Office - April 12, 1945

Facts*

Truman took the oath of office just two hours after he received word of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's death, which was caused by cerebral stroke.

[Harry Truman, half-length portrait, facing front]. 1945. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

[Chief Justice Harlan F. Stone administering the oath of office to Harry S. Truman in the Cabinet Room of the White House, April 12, 1945]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

"Truman Takes Oath as President of the United States," Evening Star. (Washington, D.C.), April 13, 1945. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Library of Congress.

Second Inauguration - January 20, 1949

Facts*

First televised Inaugural ceremony.
Truman reinstated the Inaugural Ball.

Inauguration of Harry S. Truman, 1949. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Theodor Horydczak, photographer. Louis Justement, architect. Inaugural stand for President Truman I. Horydczak Collection. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

"Truman Inaugurated, Pledges Support of U.S. to Free Peoples Everywhere," Evening Star. (Washington, D.C.), January 20, 1949. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Library of Congress.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

The thirty-fourth president of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower served two terms as president (1953-61).

First Inauguration - January 20, 1953

Facts*

First time the JCCIC hosted the Inaugural luncheon at the Capitol.
Broke precedent by reciting his own prayer after taking the oath, rather than kissing the Bible.

[Dwight D. Eisenhower, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing front]. [between 1950 and 1960]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

With smiles and a wave, President Harry Truman and his successor, Dwight D. Eisenhower, leave White House in an open car on way to Capitol for inauguration ceremonies. 1953. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

[Chief Justice Frederick Vinson administering the oath of office to Dwight D. Eisenhower on the east portico of the U.S. Capitol, January 20, 1953]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Ike responds to cheers of crowd. 1953. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Second Inauguration - January 21, 1957

Facts*

January 20, 1957 fell on a Sunday, so Eisenhower was sworn in privately that day by Chief Justice Earl Warren in the White House East Room. His public Inauguration was held on Monday, January 21, 1957.

[Chief Justice Earl Warren administering the oath of office to Dwight D. Eisenhower on the east portico of the U.S. Capitol, January 21, 1957]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

[President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivering his inaugural address on the east portico of the U.S. Capitol, January 21, 1957]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Ike waves to parade crowds. 1957. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

[Dwight D. Eisenhower taking oath of office in a private ceremony in the East Room of the White House Left to right are: Sen. William Knowland, Chief Justice Earl Warren...] 1957. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

John F. Kennedy

The thirty-fifth president of the United States (1961-63), John F. Kennedy died in office on November 22, 1963. Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, Texas.

Inauguration - January 20, 1961

Facts*

First president to be inaugurated on the extended East Front.
First time that a Speaker of the House administered the oath of office to the vice president. (Previously the oath had been given by either the President pro tempore of the Senate, the ex-Vice President, or a United States Senator.) (Roll Call, 1/18/1961).
First time a poet, Robert Frost, participated in the official ceremonies at the Capitol.
First time that both parents of the president-elect attended their son's inauguration. (Washington Daily News, 1/21/1961).
As the first Catholic elected president, Kennedy was the first to use a Catholic (Douay) version of the Bible for his oath.
First inaugural parade for which Army flame throwers were used to clear snow from Pennsylvania Avenue. (Washington Daily News, 1/21/1961).
First appearance of the Air Force Academy Band in the parade. (Evening Star, 1/3/1961).
First time that the parade was televised in color (NBC). (New York Times, 1/15/1961).
First inauguration celebrated with five balls.
Last president to wear traditional stovepipe hat to the inauguration.

President-elect John F. Kennedy shakes hands with Father Richard J. Casey, the pastor, after attending Mass at Holy Trinity Church [...] prior to inauguration ceremonies. 1961. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Robert Frost. The Gift Outright. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.

[Inaugural ceremony of John F. Kennedy, surrounded by crowd, January 20, 1961]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

[Inauguration of President Kennedy on east portico of U.S. Capitol, January 20, 1961]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

"Dedication," Robert Frost's presidential inaugural poem, 20 Jan. 1961. Typescript with Frost's holograph script corrections in ink and Stewart Udall's holograph clarifications in pencil on the last page. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.

President Kennedy delivers inaugural address here [Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.] 1/20. Seated near each other are Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy and former President Eisenhower. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Lyndon B. Johnson

The thirty-sixth president of the United States (1963-69), Lyndon B. Johnson assumed the presidency upon the death of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.

Oath of Office - November 22, 1963

Facts*

Johnson assumed the Presidency upon the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Kennedy was shot and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.
First time a woman administered the oath of office (U.S. District Judge Sarah T. Hughes swore in Johnson on Air Force One).
First and only time a President took the oath of office on an airplane.

[Lyndon B. Johnson, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing left]. 1964. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Cecil Stoughton, photographer. Johnson taking oath. 1963. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

President Lyndon B. Johnson, in a rain-splattered car, leaves his home 11/23 for his office in the Executive Office Building.. 1963. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Second Inauguration - January 20, 1965

Facts*

Security for Johnson's Inauguration was tight following the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. For the first time, the president rode in a bullet-proofed limousine.

[Lyndon B. Johnson being sworn in as president of the United States by Chief Justice Earl Warren as Lady Bird Johnson and and Hubert Humphrey look on, on the east portico of the U.S. Capitol]. 1965. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs.

[Crowd on Capitol grounds, attending inauguration of Lyndon B. Johnson]. 1965. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Secret service agents try to hold back the crowds that surge forward to watch President Johnson dance with the First Lady at the inaugural ball at the National Guard Armory [...]. 1965. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

President Johnson working on his Inaugural address on his Texas ranch. 1965. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

*Please note: This information is based on a compilation by the Office of the Curator, Architect of the Capitol, Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, from contemporary accounts and other sources. Additional research provided by Library of Congress staff.

U.S. Presidential Inaugurations: A Resource Guide

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Presidential Inaugurations: 1929-1965

Herbert Hoover

Inauguration - March 4, 1929

Facts*

Franklin D. Roosevelt

First Inauguration - March 4, 1933

Facts*

Second Inauguration - January 20, 1937

Facts*

Third Inauguration - January 20, 1941

Facts*

Fourth Inauguration - January 20, 1945

Facts*

Harry S. Truman

Oath of Office - April 12, 1945

Facts*

Second Inauguration - January 20, 1949

Facts*

Dwight D. Eisenhower

First Inauguration - January 20, 1953

Facts*

Second Inauguration - January 21, 1957

Facts*

John F. Kennedy

Inauguration - January 20, 1961

Facts*

Lyndon B. Johnson

Oath of Office - November 22, 1963

Facts*

Second Inauguration - January 20, 1965

Facts*