Ford Presidential Library Director Elaine Didier describes an artifact in the collection of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library: the staircase by which U.S. citizens and individuals loyal to the U.S. climbed to helicopters to escape Saigon during the last days of the city's fall to anti-U.S. forces. She also describes the process by which the library acquired the staircase.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to "Elaine Didier."

Acting Director of Clinton Presidential Library Emily Robison describes a gift President Clinton received from the country of Belarus: a woven-wicker horse sculpture.

To view this clip, scroll to "Emily Robison," and select "Play."

Director of the Bush Presidential Library Warren Finch describes his two favorite items in the library's collection: a ready-room chair from the World War II aircraft carrier USS San Jacinto; on which George Bush, Sr. served and a rock painting of Managua, Nicaragua, gifted to the library by Violeta Chamorro.

To watch this clip, scroll to "Warren Finch" under "Presentation: My Favorite Things," and select "Play."

Carter Library Director Jay Hakes discusses Jimmy Carter's Nobel Peace Prize Medal, including why Carter received it and its display at the Carter Presidential Library.

To view this clip, scroll to "Jay Hakes," and select "Play."

John F. Kennedy Library Director Tom Putnam discusses JFK's draft of a speech delivered at the dedication of the Robert Frost Library. Putnam points out alterations Kennedy made from Arthur M. Schlesinger's original draft and plays a brief excerpt from the speech.

To view this clip, scroll to "Tom Putnam," and select "Play."

Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz very briefly examines a hand-annotated copy of Theodore Roosevelt's first inaugural address, commenting on the rarity of the creation of such drafts in the modern computer age.

Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz describes the institution of inaugural balls and how it has developed up to the present day; he also outlines Theodore Roosevelt's rise from vice president to president following McKinley's assassination.

Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz describes the Pension Building in Washington, DC, used as the site for McKinley's First Inaugural Ball.

Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz describes Ulysses S. Grant's Second Inaugural Ball, at which the weather was so cold that the guests wore their coats while dancing and canaries brought in for decoration dropped over dead.

Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz discusses the currency debate addressed in Ulysses S. Grant's first inaugural address, explaining what the controversy over whether money should be "soft" or "hard" meant.