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Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Longaberger Picnic Basket
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Longaberger Picnic Basket

Artifact SeriesObama Administration Collection 2009-2017
Artifact ID2017.2.8.a-c
Object Type Basket, Picnic
Manufacturer (Founded 1973)
Date 2010
Medium wood (maple), leather, textile (cotton), metal (steel), plastic
DimensionsOverall - 3D (a. Basket) H 10 3/8 in x W 13 3/4 in x D 10 in (26.4 cm x 34.9 cm x 25.4 cm )
 Other (b. Basket Liner) H 10 in x W 13 in x D 7 7/8 in (25.4 cm x 33 cm x 20 cm )
 Other (c. Pillow) L 6 1/4 in x W 11 3/4 in x H 3 1/2 in x D (8.9 cm x 29.8 cm x 0 cm x 15.9 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionA woven maplewood basket (.a) with two leather handles. Each leather handle is secured to the basket with steel rivets at the front and rear of the basket. There is a small steel plate nailed to the top front edge of the basket spaced between the front handles. Lining the basket is a tan cotton liner (.b) with a zippered top. Hanging on the inside of the liner, at the back of the basket is a pouch with two evenly sized pockets. Inside the liner of the basket is a tan pillow (.c) of the same material as the liner.
Inscriptions and MarkingsEtched on the plaque at the front of the basket: MADE EXCLUSIVELY FOR / MICHELLE OBAMA; Stamped on the bottom of the basket towards the front edge: Longaberger [copyright symbol] / HANDMADE BASKETS / EST. DRESDEN, OH U.S.A.; Stamped towards the left front of the base: WOOD CRAFTED / [American flag] / IN THE U.S.A.
Historical NoteThis basket is an example of the diplomatic gifts that the US Department of State would give to foreign leaders during the Obama Administration. This was a gift from First Lady Michelle Obama and intended for foreign leaders at the UN General Assembly in 2010. The basket typically included chamomile tea, a candle, a jar of pickled vegetables, and honey harvested from the White House Kitchen Garden.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesObama Administration Collection 2009-2017 (National Archives Identifier 66540607)
Use Restriction Status(not entered)
In Collection(s)
Related Event(s)
Not on view
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