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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Miss Eartha Kitt Comes to Lunch...
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Miss Eartha Kitt Comes to Lunch...

Artifact ID1973.1.2158
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist
Gifter
Date ca. January 1968
Medium Ink and applied shading on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 13 3/4 in x W 17 in (34.9 cm x 43.2 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Lady Bird sits at a table with a vase of flowers on her head and talks to LBJ. The guests are gone, leaving dirty dishes on the table. In the background is a sign ("Keep America Beautiful"). Caption: “(Miss Eartha Kitt Comes to Lunch...) Next Time You Might Leave 'Respondez S'il Vous Plait' off the Invitation”. Additional text at upper right: “20 -i- 1968”. Artist signature lower right: "Draper Hill”.
Historical NoteOn January 18, 1968, Eartha Kitt confronted Lady Bird Johnson about the Vietnam War during a White House luncheon. Kitt, invited to the luncheon to discuss youth crime, used the opportunity to express her strong opposition to the war. Her remarks, which included statements like "You send the best of this country off to be shot and maimed," reportedly upset the First Lady and led to a public backlash against Kitt.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ 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.
Person Referenced Eartha Kitt (United States, 1928 - 2008)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
Person Referenced Lady Bird Johnson (United States, 1912 - 2007)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Worcester
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