Royal Jamaica Cigar Humidor
Artifact ID1981.00082.01a-c
Object Type
Humidor
Gifter
Edward Seaga
Maker
Royal Jamaica Tobacco Co Ltd
(Jamaica)
Gifter
Mitsy Seaga
Date
1981
Medium
Wood, Fabric, Metal
Dimensions22 1/2 × 13 × 5 1/2 in. (57.2 × 33 × 14 cm)
Physical DescriptionA polished inlaid wood humidor with a compartmentalized lift-out tray and inset lock. Lettered on the interior of the hinged top lid is "Produced Exclusively for His Excellency Ronald Reagan President of the United States of America." Two metal keys are Detached from the humidor.Historical NoteThe humidor originally held Royal Jamaica cigars when it was given. It was a gift during the state visit of Prime Minister Edward Seaga of Jamaica and Mitzy Seaga on January 28, 1981. This was the first official visit by a foreign head of state of the Reagan Administration, and these were the first official gift presentation, which occured in the Green Room. The Seagas' visit included a welcome ceremony on the South Lawn, a meeting in the Blue Room, a tour of the White House, and a state luncheon in the State Dining Room. During the toasts, President Reagan said, "Mr. Prime Minister, you are the first head of state to be our guest since I have taken office, and this tells me a great deal, because it speaks to the bond between our two countries. We share the commitment of free people around the world. We also share a personal bond, because we have come to office at nearly the same moment in history. We are both faced with problems, and we both perceive great opportunities for our countries." Seaga responded, It has been a great honor for my wife and myself and my delegation to have been the first invitees of your new administration to Washington on an official visit. This honor has in fact caused some degree of speculation as to why we have been selected as the first of many."
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 StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Country/Culture
In Collection(s)
Exhibition HistoryRonald Reagan Presidential Library (2011- )
Related LinksPhotograph: Exchange of gifts during visit of Prime Minister Seaga of Jamaica in the Green Room 01/28/1981:
c00379-03
c00380-02
Speech: Toasts at the Luncheon Honoring Prime Minister Edward Philip George Seaga of Jamaica January 28, 1981
Speech: Toasts at the Luncheon Honoring Prime Minister Edward Philip George Seaga of Jamaica January 28, 1981