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Rhinestone Heart Journal
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Rhinestone Heart Journal
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Rhinestone Heart Journal

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.687298.3
Object Type Journal
Intended Recipient (American, 1964)
Medium paper, ink, adhesive, leather, plastic, textile
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 1 3/8 in x W 4 1/2 in x D 6 1/8 in (3.5 cm x 11.4 cm x 15.5 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionRed journal with a heart on the front cover made of rhinestones.
Inscriptions and MarkingsInscribed on end page: December 18, 2008 Madam First Lady Michelle Obama Inscribed on a post-it note on the second page: Re: errors Madam First Lady Michelle, I hurriedly wrote before you left for the White House and I asked the Secret Service to examine the bag and pass on to you. They told me to take it the P.O. Inscribed on first three pages: Dear Michelle, I met you sometime ago when I helped to raise campaign funds for President Elect Obama, when he ran for U.S. Senator. I attend Greater Bethesda Baptist Church with Dr. Frances Carroll When the reception was held for you at the Hyatt, I was there. I was also at a function at the South Shore Cultural & Country Club This is a brief "reminder" of our first meetings. Dr. Alma Jones and I travelled to D.C. for President (elect) Obama's swearing in as U.S. Senator from Illinois - "oh Happy Day" I participated in the phone banking on [illegible] with [illegible] and [illegible] on behalf of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. Finally, I am a former Vice President 1994-2004 of the Chicago Teachers Union and the American Federation of Teachers. Finally finally, I am a former VP, as I started back in 1993/1994, John Rodgers President Elect Obama visited our offices in Merchandise Mart, "I predicted then that President Elect had only just begin WOW!! He could deliver powerful speeches then We are so-o-o very proud and happy for everyone. God be With you and keep you in his ever-loving arms. Warmly and Sincerely, [gifter's signature] [gifter's signature]
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to First Lady Michelle Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library. Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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