http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28966128

LOS ANGELES - The Smithsonian Museum wants Aretha Franklin’s Inauguration Day hat.

The Queen of Soul’s big-bowed headgear has become a hot property since the legendary singer wore it to belt out “America the Beautiful” at President Barack Obama’s Jan. 20 inauguration.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the hat’s designer, Luke Song, has been overwhelmed with demand for the $179 item. (Aretha’s custom-made version cost over $500.)

But while the Smithsonian wants the original, Aretha’s not sure if she wants to give it up.

“I am considering it. It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning moment in history. I would like to smile every time I look back at it and remember what a great moment it was in American and African-American history. Ten cheers for President Obama,” she said in a statement, according to New York Magazine.

One piece of couture that will definitely be heading for the museum is First Lady Michelle Obama’s ball gown from the historic evening.

According to the Washington Post, the Jason Wu-designed dress will be on display this summer, and they’re interested in her Isabel Toledo ensemble from the ceremony, as well.

The Smithsonian’s collection currently includes 21 dresses from past First Ladies.
[Edited 2/1/09 18:14pm]

You know, I've never been to the Smithsonian but I think it's AWESOME that they document fashion.

CarrieMpls said:

I would love to go there someday.

Praise God hallelujah! Doesn't this mean Dan Has to take it off via some sorta copyright infringement?

Muse2NOPharaoh said:

EmeraldSkies said:

that hat is MINE!

They should give it to the Jeffersonian! *obscure Bones reference*

CarrieMpls said:

you have to go! almost everything on the mall is the Smithsonian.

horatio said:

EmeraldSkies said:

"I don't know what that means."

EmeraldSkies said:

go when you have time to take your time....
otherwise...

i wasted time going up to top of the washington monuement....
and i didn't get to see much...

purplesweat said:

*obscure Bones reference*

peb319 said:

I would have to go early,cause I would want to make sure I could see it all.

EmeraldSkies said:

all? it's 19 museums

19? really? holy moly! I thought it was just one big museum. I guess I better make sure that I can stay for a few weeks then.

EmeraldSkies said:

that's why i said..

peb319 said:

How long were you there? How much did you get to see?

EmeraldSkies said:

we were in DC for half a day...and at point,we were told we have time to either go to the washington monument,or the museum...well i went up the monument..looong line..
looked out the window...the earth was curved from up there...came down,and headed for the museum,only to be told we were out of time..

the front entrance...
it was my first(and so far,only) visit,and i just didn't realize what
museum it was they were talking about...
it's good in a way...i probably would have been hard to drag away...

This is possibly the most famous hat ever.

peb319 said:

EmeraldSkies said:

it was a spur of the moment drive over from Virginia...
at least we were leaving to EAT...

peb319 said:

Well it would be an almost 2 days drive for me,so it definately would'nt be a spur of the moment thing.

EmeraldSkies said:

even longer for me now.. i live in tampa, florida...for more than 25 years.
this was off a trip to Virginia to go visit a friend's mom and aunts,and ride horses..i didn't have anything else to do..they decided to run over to DC..
the veiw from the monuement was awesome..it was the first time (outside of pictures )that i had seen the curve of the earth..

peb319 said:

That does sound like it would be cool to see. Someday..

I like Aretha's hat

EmeraldSkies said:

Anacostia Community Museum
History and culture of African American communities
Washington, D.C.

Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum
Changing exhibitions of design, decorative arts, industrial design and architecture
New York City

Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Asian and a specialized collection of American art
Washington, D.C.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Modern and contemporary art
Washington, D.C.

National Air and Space Museum
History, science, and technology of aviation and space flight
Washington, D.C.

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Chantilly, VA

National Museum of African Art
Collection, research, and exhibition of African art
Washington, D.C.

National Museum of American History, Behring Center
History of science, technology, society and culture in America
Washington, D.C

National Museum of Natural History
Where natural history lives
Washington, D.C.

National Museum of the American Indian
Collection, preservation, study and exhibition of the living cultures and history of the native peoples of the Americas
Washington, D.C.

Heye Center, New York City

National Portrait Gallery
Portraits of distinguished Americans
Washington, D.C.

National Postal Museum
Interactive museum of postal history and philately
Washington, D.C.

National Zoological Park
More than 400 animal species in a 163-acre park
Washington, D.C.

Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery
Painting, sculpture, graphics, folk art, craft and photography 18th century to the present
Washington, D.C.

Smithsonian Institution Building, the Castle
Smithsonian Information Center
Washington, D.C.

Arts and Industries Building
Washington, D.C.
Closed in preparation for renovation

Future Museum
National Museum of African American History and Culture

I've been to the Smithsonian. I wasn't prepared for that shit Too much damn walking and too many different museums. I only made it through two

LiquidGold said:

Here, here. You really need a few days just to get through the Smithsonian. The monuments you really can do in one day.

ehuffnsd said: