[Inaugural Gown] First lady from 1969 until 1974, Patricia Ryan Nixon supported her husband Richard throughout his political career, beginning with her participation in his 1948 senatorial campaign.

Mrs. Nixon had keen political instincts. In 1952, she cleverly helped her husband revive his bid for the vice-presidency by appearing on television with their children and dog, Checkers, to counter charges regarding questionable campaign gifts.

Courtesy of the National Museum of American History, gift of Patricia Ryan Nixon, 1969
Inaugural Gown worn by Patricia Ryan Nixon (1912-93), 1969; designed by Karen Stark for Harvey Berin, New York City: mimosa silk satin, gold and silver embroidery

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