stacey schiff is the author of this book. it's called a great improviser, and she is also contributor to the state department's americas collection. we appreciate you joining us here in the franklin room at state department. thanks so much. and now on american history tv, we'd like to welcome you to the us depart of state and washington, d.c. and introduce you to virginia hart. she is the director and curator of the diplomatic reception rooms here at the state department. virginia hart what are we going to see? well, it extraordinary collection upstairs on the eighth floor. would you like to join me? i would. but first, how did you become the curator of this collection? we're about to see? well, i've been here many years, and it's it's never dull moment. and every day is full of surprise discovery. and what is your background. well, i have studied government history and then also decorative arts. and so i've been here a very long time 17 years, if you can believe. well let's go up and see the collection. so there was this mus