Five records. Different ways into history. Explore a photograph, the ceremony’s printed program, its proceedings, and the words and voice of the new president.
A curated starting collection · Originals remain with their credited sources
01 · Photograph
Joyce N. Boghosian · Official White House photograph · Cropped
Michelle Obama’s official portrait
Made in the White House Blue Room early in the administration, this portrait represents Michelle Obama’s new public role as First Lady. It is a formal portrait, not a photograph of Inauguration Day.
The printed program records the planned order of the ceremony. Compare this schedule with the recording and proceedings to distinguish the event as planned from the event as performed.
Date
January 20, 2009
Creator
Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies
The official proceedings preserve the words spoken at the Capitol, including the inaugural address. They provide a text record to read alongside the program and video.
Hearing the address restores its pacing, emphasis, and audience response. On the committee’s page, choose the inaugural-address recording or watch the full ceremony for its surrounding context.
Date
January 20, 2009
Creator
Barack Obama, speaker; recording presented by the inaugural committee
This published transcript offers a second text source for the address. Its posting date is one day later than the speech, an important distinction when citing or dating the record.
Date
Delivered January 20, 2009; posted January 21, 2009
Creator
Barack Obama; transcript published by the White House
