Mrs. Obama to donate inaugural gown to Smithsonian

WASHINGTON On Tuesday, Mrs. Obama plans to publicly donate the gown to the first ladies collection at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History.

The beaded gown was a star attraction at 10 inaugural balls held in January 2009 to celebrate President Barack Obama's swearing-in. It was designed by Jason Wu of New York.

The Smithsonian Institution says all first ladies since 1912 have contributed to the collection, though not all have parted with their ball gowns.

Mrs. Obama's gown will join those currently on display from Helen Taft, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosalynn Carter and Laura Bush.