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Historic Nail from James Madison's Montpelier
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Historic Nail from James Madison's Montpelier
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Historic Nail from James Madison's Montpelier

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.109381
Object Type Relic, Historic
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Date 08/24/2009
Medium wood (walnut, cedar of Lebanon), metal (iron)
DimensionsOverall H 11 1/4 in x W 9 1/4 in x D 2 5/8 in (28.6 cm x 23.5 cm x 6.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionSquare hand-forged nail, bent at the end in an L shape. The nail is attached to a cedar plaque with metal wire and mounted inside a walnut wood box with a glass front. Under the nail is an information panel. On the back a paper is glued to the wood with information about the gift event.


Historical NoteThis nail from James Madison's Montpelier estate was presented to White House Curator William Allman as a gift for President Barack Obama on August 24, 2009 on the occasion of a tour of the White House organized for descendents of Paul Jennings, a man enslaved by James Madison. The tour was organized on the 195th anniversary of Paul Jennings assisting Dolly Madison in rescuing a portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart from the White House after British troops set fire to it during the War of 1812.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack 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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