Everyone can remember the moment of the first dance with Michelle Obama and her husband--as much for the historical moment of the first African-American president and First Lady as well as the adoring love Barack showed for his wife. What is also memorable is the beautiful dress she wore.
The picture of the couple is forever etched in the psyche of the American public, but like Cinderella, eventually everything has to go back to normal and the dress has to go back.

Though she'll always cherish the moment she slipped in to her inaugural ball gown, a one-shouldered, white chiffon design she wore for her first Cinderella-like spins on the dance floor, she has to hold on to the memories because the gown isn't hers anymore.

In keeping with tradition, Mrs. Obama donated the Jason Wu design to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History on Tuesday.

It will go on public display in a new gallery for the museum's First Ladies' exhibit, featuring president's wives from Mamie Eisenhower to the present.

Dotted with beads and covered in fabric petals, Mrs. Obama's gown was a star attraction at 10 inaugural balls held on Jan. 20, 2009, to celebrate Barack Obama's swearing-in earlier that day as the nation's 44th president.

Mrs. Obama said memories came rushing back, after she saw the gown for the first time, since taking it off after that whirlwind night more than a year ago: freezing cold weather, the chaos and how she had less than an hour to get ready for the balls.

"I remember how just luscious I felt as the president and I were announced on to the stage for the first of many dances," she said. "And I'll cherish that moment for the rest of my life."

All first ladies, since 1912, have contributed to the collection, though not all first ladies part with their inaugural gowns. Mrs. Obama's donation has added significance to the collection, since hers is the first gown worn by a first lady of color. The new gallery will feature a total of 10 inaugural dresses.