Nebraska First Ladies Inaugural Ball Gowns

The wife of Nebraska’s governor (“The First Lady”) traditionally wears a special gown to the governor’s inaugural ball, as represented by these five examples from the History Nebraska collections.

 

Peach-colored, floor-length evening gown with lace overlay, cap sleeves, fitted bodice, and belted waist displayed on a dress form against a plain background.

Elizabeth Crosby
1953 Inaugural Ball Gown
Wife of Governor Robert B. Crosby
Term of Office: 1953-1955
Source: Gift of Robert B. Crosby [9923-1]

 

A long, cream-colored evening coat with elbow-length sleeves, decorated with silver embroidery and floral embellishments, displayed on a mannequin.

Lorna Tiemann
1967 Inaugural Ball Gown
Wife of Governor Norbert T. Tiemann
Term of Office: 1967-1971
Source: Gift of Lorna Tiemann [9440-1]

 

Sleeveless floor-length white gown with a fitted bodice, featuring an all-over floral lace pattern and subtle bead embellishments, displayed on a mannequin.
Patricia Exon
1971 Inaugural Ball Gown
Wife of Governor J. James Exon
Term of Office: 1971-1979
Source: Gift of Patricia Exon [9732-1]
A long-sleeved, floor-length green chiffon dress is displayed on a headless mannequin against a plain white background.

Ruth Thone
1979 Inaugural Ball Gown
Wife of Governor Charles Thone
Term of Office: 1979-1983
Source: Gift of Mrs. Charles Thone [10966-1]

 

A black dress with red accents, a V-neckline, and beaded embellishments at the waist displayed on a mannequin against a plain background.
Stephanie Johanns
1999 Inaugural Ball Gown
Wife of Governor Mike Johanns
Term of Office: 1999-2005
Source: Gift of Stephanie Johanns [13040-1]

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