Jacqueline Kennedy comes to Sea Cliff Arts Council

America’s most iconic First Lady will be making a trip to Sea Cliff for a unique event titled “Happy Hour with Jackie O.” This upcoming lecture, presented by Ed Lieberman, the former mayor of Sea Cliff who has gained local recognition for his historical bus tours, will follow the life and times of Jackie Kennedy Onassis.

Lieberman, known for his bus tours of local history, said that his interest in delivering historical lectures was born from a desire to engage and entertain during the quieter winter months when his popular bus tours were less frequent. Over time, he compiled a repertoire of talks on historical figures, including Martin Luther King Jr., Theodore Roosevelt, FDR, and Queen Elizabeth II. However, it was the suggestion of the residents of local assisted living homes that led him to craft a lecture on Jackie Kennedy.

Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis, commonly known as “Jackie,” was the First Lady when Ed Lieberman was a child, and her life became deeply intertwined with American history. Lieberman shared that the tragic events of November 22, 1963, when her husband was assassinated in front of her and the nation, made a crucial impact on his life.

“It was a defining moment in not only my childhood, but through my teens, into college and beyond, to this day,” Lieberman said. “As a young boy and a JFK follower, she was always there, but never in depth, at least to me.”

The lecture will incorporate 31 curated photographs presented in a chronological order, allowing the audience to delve into Jackie Kennedy’s life and her relationships with John F. Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis, her second husband, who was a Greek shipping magnate. But it won’t be just a collection of facts and dates. Lieberman said he seeks to make the presentation personal and engaging, sharing fascinating insights and stories he has discovered through extensive research.

One example Lieberman mentioned was Jackie’s influence during her visit to Paris in 1961. Her love for French culture and her soft diplomacy led to the Mona Lisa’s tour through the United States, which had a profound impact on American art and culture.

Lieberman also highlighted Jackie Kennedy’s transformation of the White House during her time as First Lady. At the age of 31, she undertook the monumental task of restoring and preserving the White House’s historic furnishings. Her dedication and vision turned the White House into a symbol of American history, and her influence there is still evident today.

The lecture will be held on Nov. 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Sea Cliff Arts Council, 86 Roslyn Ave., Sea Cliff. Tickets are $20, with all proceeds benefiting the Sea Cliff Arts Council. For further information and to purchase tickets visit SeaCliffArtsCouncil.org/events.