PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 09/17/1974 - HFSID 266244

GERALD R. FORD
Gerald R. Ford sends a typed letter to Daniel Patrick Moynihan of thanks and acceptance for the invitation "to participate with you in the opening of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden on October 1, 1974".
Typed Letter Signed: "Jerry Ford" as President, 1p, 7x10½, framed to 7½x10¾ not in Gallery of History style. The White House, Washington, 1974 September 17. To Daniel Patrick Moynihan, American Ambassador, New Delhi (India). In full: "Thank you for your kind invitation of August 16. Betty and I would be greatly honored to participate with you in the opening of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden on October 1, 1974. Mr. Joseph Hirshhorn has made a truly outstanding gift to our Nation. The priceless collection of modern sculpture he has assembled and the Museum which will house it are certain to become treasured additions to the Smithsonian system and to our national heritage. While Mr. Hirshhorn, the collection and the Museum will rightly hold center stage on October 1, Betty and I will very much enjoy the opportunity of being a part of the exciting evening." On August 9, 1974, just 39 days earlier, GERALD R. FORD (1913-2006) was sworn in as President following the resignation of Richard Nixon. Latvian JOSEPH HIRSHHORN (1899-1981) donated over 6,000 art objects and $1 million toward the construction of this museum as a way of expressing gratitude to his adopted country. DIRECTLY FROM THE SALE OF THE ESTATE OF SENATOR DANIEL PATRICK MOYNIHAN (1927-2003) who represented New York as a Democrat in the Senate for four terms (1977-2001). He had served as U.S. Ambassador to India from 1973-1975. Signature faded, but legible. Horizontal folds touch signature. Framed, not in Gallery of History style. Not reviewed by us for conservation integrity. "As is" framing purchase.