Happy Birthday, President Carter!
By Angela Tudico
WASHINGTON, DC
Former President Jimmy Carter turned 100 years old today, making him the longest-living U.S. President of all time. To celebrate the momentous occasion, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum has planned a week of events, some of which are already underway.
On September 21, a new exhibit, 100 Portraits for 100 Years of Jimmy Carter, opened at the library. The temporary exhibit will remain on display through November 30 and highlights portraits of the former President largely from the library’s own collection.
The exhibition features traditional forms of portraiture, such as those done in oil, watercolors, pastels, charcoal, and pencil drawings. It also includes portraits made of wire, hand-tooled leather, wood, velvet, etched metal, and yarn. The artists range from well-known names like Andy Warhol to little-known artists and novices.
“In many ways, the museum collection at the Jimmy Carter Library reflects the enthusiasm of the American people for their national leader, and also how people all over the world perceive the President,” Curator Sylvia Naguib said. “The many portraits received by President and Mrs. Carter lend evidence to this enthusiasm, and we are delighted to be able to share these portraits with the public for President Carter’s 100th birthday.”
Beyond the celebratory exhibit, the library hosted events this past weekend that will continue through the President’s birthday on Tuesday. On that day, admission to the library will be $1 (100 cents), keeping with the decade-long tradition of adjusting the admission price to match President Carter’s age. There will be giveaways, voter registration, a naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens, and a live remote broadcast of the National Public Radio program All Things Considered. Also during a small ceremony that afternoon, the Vietnamese American community will be donating a hand made wooden boat in thanks for President Carter's assistance and kindness toward the refugees who left Vietnam by boat after the Vietnam War ended in 1975.
This weekend’s events reflected the hobbies and interests of the former President, notably running and films. On Saturday, September 28, the library hosted a JC 100 Fun Run and throughout the day screened movies in honor of President Carter. The JC 100 Film Festival, sponsored by the Plaza Theater and Atlanta Film Society, included some of President Carter’s favorite films that he watched while in office including Jaws and All the President's Men. The day-long film fest culminated with an outdoor viewing of Star Wars: A New Hope with stormtroopers arriving at the library just before the showing.
“Our month-long centennial celebrations for President Carter showcase the breadth of his legacy. We’re proud to honor a leader and statesman whose impact on our country, human rights, and global peace have shaped our nation and the world”, said Library Director Dr. Meredith Evans.
For those who cannot make the in-person festivities, the Carter Center is hosting a virtual Birthday thank-you board where people can wish President Carter a “Happy Birthday” and add a picture.
The Carter Presidential Library and Museum is located in Atlanta, GA. Visit jimmycarterlibrary.gov to plan your visit and join the celebration.