The Fifty-Seventh Presidential Inauguration on January 21, 2013 presented by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Luncheon

U.S. Senate Photo Studio

National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2009 ready for the inaugural luncheon immediately following the swearing-in ceremonies.

The Luncheon program includes speeches, gift presentations from the JCCIC and toasts to the new administration. While this tradition dates as far back as 1897, when the Senate Committee on Arrangements first gave a luncheon for President McKinley and several other guests at the U.S. Capitol, it did not begin in its current form until 1953.

  • National Statuary Hall

    After the president takes the oath of office and delivers his Inaugural address, he will be escorted to Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol for the traditional Inaugural Luncheon. Since the 1953 luncheon, the JCCIC has organized a Luncheon celebration in Statuary Hall at eight Presidential Inaugurations.

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  • Facts, Firsts and Precedents

    Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt begin tradition of morning worship service by attending St. John's Church.

    —Thirty-Seventh Inaugural Ceremonies

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  • Committee

    Every four years, upon passage of a concurrent resolution, the Committee is established and members appointed to plan and execute all Inaugural activities at the U.S. Capitol, including the swearing-in ceremonies.

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