Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum, National Archives & Records Administration.
Galway Irish Crystal Vase
Artifact ID1984.01240.01
Object Type
Vase
Gifter
Garret FitzGerald
Maker
Galway Irish Crystal
(Ireland)
Date
late 20th Century
Medium
Glass
Dimensions8 1/4 × 7 1/2 in. (21 × 19.1 cm)
Physical DescriptionA compote style crystal glass vase by Galway.Historical NotePrime Minister Garret FitzGerald of Ireland came to Washington, DC for a working visit on March 16, 1984. There was a White House Luncheon for him, and he gave President Reagan the traditional gift of shamrocks. FitzGerald said, "Mr. President, I've already presented you with some shamrock. We had a little difficulty. I tried pinning it on, but partly because of my concern to make sure I didn't actually physically assault the President of the United States by sticking a pin in him -- [laughter] -- I totally failed. The President took over the job himself and did it very neatly and quickly. [Laughter] But if I might formally present you with a bowl of our shamrocks so there will be some to go around to the whole family." President Reagan then gave FitzGerald a green baseball cap lettered "Very Important Irishman" on the front.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Foreign Officials (National Archives Identifier 6816364)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Country/Culture
In Collection(s)
Related LinksVideo: Working Visit Ireland on March 16, 1984. President Reagan Prime Minister Garret Fitzgerald March 16, 1984
Photograph: Working Visit of Prime Minister Garret FitzGerald of Ireland, Luncheon in the East Room 03/16/1984 c20578-01 c20583-01 c20584-01 Video: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75502150
Speech: Toasts of the President and Prime Minister Garret FitzGerald of Ireland at a White House Luncheon March 16, 1984
Photograph: Working Visit of Prime Minister Garret FitzGerald of Ireland, Luncheon in the East Room 03/16/1984 c20578-01 c20583-01 c20584-01 Video: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75502150
Speech: Toasts of the President and Prime Minister Garret FitzGerald of Ireland at a White House Luncheon March 16, 1984