Following in the footsteps of the first ladies who have served before her, Melania Trump has donated her inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian museum.

See some of the dresses worn by first ladies at the balls conducted in honor of their husbands as they became President of the United States.

The Smithsonian exhibit in Washington D.C. is called "The First Ladies" and includes gowns worn by those who have served as official hostesses in the White House — usually a president's wife. According to the Smithsonian, if a president's wife was deceased or unavailable to serve, a family member was selected as hostess.

Mannequins are custom made to fit each gown on display.