I’m in the midst of researching an article about inauguration galas, and just came across these amazing old photographs of the D.C. Armory building, where President Kennedy had his inaugural ball in 1961. I was just at the armory for the first time a few weeks ago (buying up far too many Christmas gifts from the Nat Geo warehouse sale) and sadly, the building has fallen into disrepair. But it’s wonderful knowing that Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Leonard Bernstein, Gene Kelly, Nat King Cole, Tony Curtis and Ethyl Merman all performed there that evening. I’m so looking forward to when the inauguration festivities begin here.

Photo: Magnum Photography Archives