Title:
1961 John F. Kennedy Inaugural Gala Ticket — National Guard Armory, Washington D.C. — PSA NM-MT 8 Encapsulated

Description:
Offered here is an original 1961 Inaugural Gala ticket issued for President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration celebration, held at the National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C. on Thursday evening, January 19, 1961. The ticket reads “THE INAUGURAL GALA” and includes the printed instruction “Guests must be seated by 8:40 P.M. – Black Tie.”

The ticket design features bold black lettering against a light blue background and includes specific seating information:
Section K – Row 6 – Seat 9.

The reverse of the ticket displays the instruction “USE WEST ENTRANCE.” The piece remains well-preserved and visually appealing, retaining strong print clarity and clean surfaces.

The ticket has been professionally encapsulated and graded by PSA, receiving a grade of NM-MT 8, and is identified on the PSA label as “1961 The Inaugural Gala – John F. Kennedy – Jan. 19, National Guard Armory.” The PSA certification number is 27202105.

Please note that the PSA slab shows a slight crack along the top edge. The encapsulation remains intact and protective, but collectors should review the provided photos carefully for full details regarding the condition of the holder.

Historical Context:
The 1961 inauguration of President John F. Kennedy marked the beginning of one of the most memorable presidencies in American history. Kennedy, at just 43 years old, became the youngest elected president of the United States, ushering in what many later referred to as the era of “Camelot.”

The inaugural celebrations in Washington, D.C. were among the most glamorous in presidential history, drawing prominent figures from politics, entertainment, literature, and the arts. Kennedy famously invited celebrated poet Robert Frost to participate in the inaugural ceremony, reflecting his administration’s emphasis on culture and intellectual life.

The Inaugural Gala at the National Guard Armory formed part of the broader series of inaugural balls and festivities held on the eve of Kennedy’s swearing-in on January 20, 1961. These events symbolized the transition of power and celebrated the beginning of a new administration during a pivotal moment in Cold War-era America.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
The ticket has been graded and encapsulated by PSA, receiving a Near Mint–Mint (NM-MT 8) designation. The PSA holder includes the certification number 27202105, which can be verified through PSA’s authentication database. The tamper-evident holder protects the historic ticket while allowing it to be safely displayed.

Condition note: The PSA slab has a small crack along the top edge, visible in the photographs. The holder remains intact; please review images for details.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
Artifacts connected to the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy remain highly sought-after by collectors of American political history. This PSA-graded 1961 Inaugural Gala ticket represents a tangible piece of that historic moment in Washington, offering both strong visual appeal and direct connection to one of the most iconic presidential inaugurations of the 20th century.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.