• Lincoln Bedroom, Ford Administration
    Larry D. Kinney
    Second Floor
    Lincoln Bedroom
    This photograph of the Lincoln Bedroom was taken in August 1976 by Larry D. Kinney during the administration of Gerald R. Ford. Located on the Second Floor of the White House, in modern times the Lincoln Bedroom is used for official and personal guests of the president’s family. In the past, it served as an office and the Cabinet Room. The room became a bedroom in the family quarters during the 1902 Theodore Roosevelt renovation. The high-back bed, known as the Lincoln Bed, was purchased for the White House by First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. While it was purchased during the Lincoln administration, the bed was probably never used by President Abraham Lincoln, nor was it originally placed in this room. Repurposed during the administration of President Harry S. Truman, the room features furniture, artwork, and refurbishing reminiscent of the 1860s. In 2005, the room underwent refurbishing under the direction of First Lady Laura Bush, enhancing the historical accuracy of the room.
  • Lincoln Bedroom, Ford Administration
    Larry D. Kinney
    Second Floor
    Lincoln Bedroom
    This photograph of the Lincoln Bedroom was taken in August 1976 by Larry D. Kinney during the administration of Gerald R. Ford. Located on the Second Floor of the White House, in modern times the Lincoln Bedroom is used for official and personal guests of the president’s family. In the past, it served as an office and the Cabinet Room. The room became a bedroom in the family quarters during the 1902 Theodore Roosevelt renovation. The high-back bed, known as the Lincoln Bed, was purchased for the White House by First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. While it was purchased during the Lincoln administration, the bed was probably never used by President Abraham Lincoln, nor was it originally placed in this room. Repurposed during the administration of President Harry S. Truman, the room features furniture, artwork, and refurbishing reminiscent of the 1860s. In 2005, the room underwent refurbishing under the direction of First Lady Laura Bush, enhancing the historical accuracy of the room.
  • The Carters with Prime Minister Thatcher in the Center Hall
    Karl Schumacher
    Yellow Oval Room
    State Visit
    State Dinner
    Second Floor
    Center Hall
    Head of State
    This photograph is of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter walking with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom out of the Yellow Oval Room through the Center Hall. Karl Shumacher took this picture on December 17, 1979. President Carter wore a black tuxedo, a pleated dress shirt, and a black bow tie. Notched lapels, though considered the least formal lapel style, were particularly trendy at the time, and black remained the standard color for formal wear. While Carter was known for his casual Southern style, he recognized the significance of dressing formally for diplomatic occasions. A strong supporter of State Dinners, Carter hosted 40 during his presidency, including the largest in White House history at the time with over 1,340 guests.
  • Chefs Mesnier and Morrison Prepare Dessert
    Unknown
    staff
    Second Floor
    Residence staff
    Family Kitchen
    food & drink
    This photograph shows White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier and assistant pastry chef Susan "Susie" E. Morrison putting finishing touches on a cake for a White House event held on May 31, 2004. Chef Morrison began working with Chef Mesnier in 1995, working her way up to become assistant pastry chef. In 2014, Morrison became the first woman appointed White House executive pastry chef. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004.
  • Baseball Birthday Cake for George W. Bush
    Unknown
    staff
    food & drink
    birthdays
    Second Floor
    Center Hall
    celebrations
    Residence staff
    In this photograph White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier (left) and assistant pastry chef Susan "Susie" E. Morrison stand in the Center Hall with a cake for President George W. Bush's 55th birthday. The baseball themed cake is decorated with a bat, mitt, and baseballs. The Center Hall is located on the Second Floor residence of the White House. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004.
  • Pastry Team with Dessert for Luncheon
    Unknown
    meals
    food & drink
    State Visit
    Second Floor
    Residence staff
    staff
    In this photograph White House pastry team members stand with "A Spherical Fantasy" desserts created by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier for a luncheon in honor of Cherie Blair, wife of Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The luncheon was hosted by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton on February 5, 1998 over the course of a State Visit during the Bill Clinton administration. The luncheon likely took place on the Second Floor residence of the White House, where the pastry chefs appear to be in this photograph. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004.
  • Chef Mesnier and Chef McCulloch in President's Dining Room with Dessert
    Unknown
    staff
    food & drink
    Second Floor
    President's Dining Room
    Residence staff
    In this photograph, White House Executive Chef Roland Mesnier and pastry chef Franette McCulloch stand in the President's Dining Room holding an intricate chocolate-based dessert sculpted like a swan. This photograph was taken on January 31, 1994 during the Bill Clinton administration. The President's Dining Room is on the Second Floor residence of the White House. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004.
  • Chefs with President Reagan's 71st Birthday Cake
    Karl Schumacher
    staff
    food & drink
    celebrations
    birthdays
    Residence staff
    Family Kitchen
    Second Floor
    In this photograph by Karl Schumacher, White House chefs stand in the Family Kitchen with a birthday cake for President Ronald Reagan's 71st birthday. On February 6, 1982, guests joined President Reagan for a private party in the Yellow Oval Room. Standing from left to right are White House Executive Chef Henry Haller, White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, and assistant chef Hans Raffert. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004.
  • First Ladies Nancy Reagan and Laura Bush with White House Staff
    Unknown
    staff
    Center Hall
    Second Floor
    Residence staff
    This is a photograph of First Lady Laura Welch Bush and former First Lady Nancy Reagan with a group of White House staff members. It is likely this group -- that includes curators, florists, chefs, and butlers -- worked in the White House during Mrs. Reagan's time living there and were reunited upon Mrs. Reagan's visit to the White House. The group is captured standing in the Center Hall on the Second Floor residence of the White House. An inscription on this photograph reads, "To Roland Mesnier / With best wishes," and is signed by both of the first ladies. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004.
  • First Ladies Nancy Reagan and Laura Bush with White House Staff
    Unknown
    staff
    Center Hall
    Second Floor
    Residence staff
    This is a photograph of First Lady Laura Welch Bush and former First Lady Nancy Reagan with a group of White House staff members. It is likely this group -- that includes curators, florists, chefs, and butlers -- worked in the White House during Mrs. Reagan's time living there and were reunited upon Mrs. Reagan's visit to the White House. The group is captured standing in the Center Hall on the Second Floor residence of the White House. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004.
  • Chef Mesnier Presents Birthday Cake to First Lady Laura Bush
    Unknown
    staff
    food & drink
    President's Dining Room
    Second Floor
    Residence staff
    birthdays
    celebrations
    This photograph features White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier serving a birthday cake made for First Lady Laura Welch Bush on November 4, 2001. The cake features pulled sugar flowers and a sugar portrait of Mrs. Bush's face. Mrs. Bush's birthday celebration took place in the President's Dining Room on the Second Floor of the White House. Guests included President George W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush, seen here. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004.
  • Chef Mesnier Presents Birthday Cake to First Lady Laura Bush
    Unknown
    staff
    food & drink
    celebrations
    birthdays
    Second Floor
    Residence staff
    President's Dining Room
    Cabinet
    This photograph features White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier serving a birthday cake made for First Lady Laura Welch Bush on November 4, 2001. The cake features pulled sugar flowers and a sugar portrait of Mrs. Bush's face. Mrs. Bush's birthday celebration took place in the President's Dining Room on the Second Floor of the White House. Guests included President George W. Bush, former First Lady Barbara Bush, and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson, seen here in the foreground. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004.
  • Chef Roland Mesnier with the Clintons and Jospins
    Unknown
    staff
    Residence staff
    Head of State
    Center Hall
    Second Floor
    This is a photograph of White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier with President Bill Clinton, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, Prime Minister Lionel Jospin of the French Republic, and Sylviane Agacinski-Jospin, his wife, in the Center Hall on the Second Floor of the White House. A native of France, Mesnier was born in Bonnay, a small eastern town of just 150. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004.
  • Chef Roland Mesnier with President Clinton and the Jospins
    Unknown
    staff
    Residence staff
    Head of State
    Center Hall
    Second Floor
    This is a photograph of White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier with President Bill Clinton, Prime Minister Lionel Jospin of the French Republic, and Sylviane Agacinski-Jospin, his wife, in the Center Hall on the Second Floor of the White House. A native of France, Mesnier was born in Bonnay, a small eastern town of just 150. An inscription from President Clinton reads, "To Roland / With Appreciation, / [signed] Bill Clinton" This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004.
  • Mrs. Clinton with Chef Roland Mesnier
    Unknown
    staff
    Center Hall
    Residence staff
    Second Floor
    This is a photograph of First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton with White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland in the Center Hall of the White House on June 18, 1988. Chef Mesnier was in the Center Hall, located on the Second Floor residence, to meet Prime Minister Lionel Jospin of the French Republic and Sylviane Agacinski-Jospin, his wife, during their visit to the White House. A native of France, Mesnier was born in Bonnay, a small eastern town of just 150. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004.
  • The Clintons and Gores Hold Birthday Celebration
    Unknown
    staff
    food & drink
    Residence staff
    Yellow Oval Room
    Second Floor
    birthdays
    celebrations
    This is a photograph of President Bill Clinton, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, and Second Lady Tipper Gore with two White House Kitchen staff members in the Yellow Oval Room. The group is gathered behind a table of sweet treats, including a birthday cake. From left to right are: White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, pastry chef Franette McCulloch, Mrs. Clinton, President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and Mrs. Gore. The Yellow Oval Room is located on the Second Floor of the White House residence. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004.
  • Chef Roland Mesnier in the President's Dining Room
    Bill Fitz-Patrick
    staff
    Residence Staff
    President's Dining Room
    Second Floor
    This is a photograph of White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier setting up a private dinner for President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan in the President's Dining Room on May 30, 1981. Guests at the dinner included singer Frank Sinatra, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, violinist Isaac Stern, and artist Jamie Wyeth. The President's Dining Room is located on the Second Floor of the Executive Mansion. For the full menu from this dinner, see 1140803. This photograph is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004.
  • President's Dining Room, Kennedy Administration, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    George F. Mobley
    President's Dining Room
    Second Floor
    This photograph of the President's Dining Room was likely taken during the John F. Kennedy administration. The President’s Dining Room is located on the Second Floor of the White House. Originally a bedroom, the space was converted to a private dining room, where the first family usually gathers for breakfast and lunch. The room also features a panoramic wallpaper entitled "Views of the American War of Independence" by Jean Zuber et Cie which features events from the American Revolution against the backdrop of natural landmarks. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. Lorraine Waxman Pearce served as the first White House Curator from 1961 to 1962. As curator, she oversaw refurbishment projects, implemented collections policies, and collaborated with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to write the first White House guidebook—a joint publication of the National Geographic Society and the White House Historical Association. Since its original publication in 1962, “The White House: An Historic Guide” has been revised, updated, and printed for over 60 years.
  • Ida McKinley's Second Floor Bedroom, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Frances Benjamin Johnston
    Second Floor
    Bedroom
    President's Dining Room
    This photograph of First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley's bedroom was taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston circa 1897 to 1901. The bedroom, possibly the Prince of Wales Bedroom, was located on the Second Floor of the Executive Mansion. The Prince of Wales Bedroom now serves as the President's Dining Room. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. The original photograph can be found at the Library of Congress. Lorraine Waxman Pearce served as the first White House Curator from 1961 to 1962. As curator, she oversaw refurbishment projects, implemented collections policies, and collaborated with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to write the first White House guidebook—a joint publication of the National Geographic Society and the White House Historical Association. Since its original publication in 1962, “The White House: An Historic Guide” has been revised, updated, and printed for over 60 years.
  • Second Floor Bedroom, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Frances Benjamin Johnston
    Bedroom
    Second Floor
    This photograph of a Second Floor bedroom in the White House was taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston circa 1893. The caption on the photograph states the bedroom was located in the southwest corner of the Executive Mansion. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. The original photograph can be found at the Library of Congress. Lorraine Waxman Pearce served as the first White House Curator from 1961 to 1962. As curator, she oversaw refurbishment projects, implemented collections policies, and collaborated with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to write the first White House guidebook—a joint publication of the National Geographic Society and the White House Historical Association. Since its original publication in 1962, “The White House: An Historic Guide” has been revised, updated, and printed for over 60 years.
  • Lincoln Bedroom, Kennedy Administration, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Bates Littlehales
    Lincoln Bedroom
    Second Floor
    This photograph shows the Lincoln Bedroom during the John F. Kennedy administration. Located on the Second Floor of the White House, in modern times the Lincoln Bedroom is used for official and personal guests of the president's family. In the past, it served as an office and the Cabinet Room. The room became a bedroom in the family quarters during the 1902 Theodore Roosevelt renovation. The high-back bed, known as the Lincoln Bed, was purchased by First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. While it was purchased during the Lincoln administration, the bed was probably never used by President Abraham Lincoln, nor was it originally placed in this room. Repurposed during the administration of President Harry S. Truman, the room features furniture, artwork, and refurbishing reminiscent of the 1860s. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. Lorraine Waxman Pearce served as the first White House Curator from 1961 to 1962. As curator, she oversaw refurbishment projects, implemented collections policies, and collaborated with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to write the first White House guidebook—a joint publication of the National Geographic Society and the White House Historical Association. Since its original publication in 1962, “The White House: An Historic Guide” has been revised, updated, and printed for over 60 years.
  • Jackson Portrait in Situ, Lincoln Bedroom, Lorraine Waxman Pearce
    Unknown
    Lincoln Bedroom
    Second Floor
    This photograph shows a portrait of President Andrew Jackson hanging in the Lincoln Bedroom. It was likely taken during the John F. Kennedy administration. The portrait of Jackson was painted by Miner Kilbourne Kellogg circa 1840. Kellogg also painted portraits of presidents James K. Polk and Martin Van Buren. The two chairs were also likely used by President Lincoln in this room, when it was known as the Cabinet Room. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. Lorraine Waxman Pearce served as the first White House Curator from 1961 to 1962. As curator, she oversaw refurbishment projects, implemented collections policies, and collaborated with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to write the first White House guidebook—a joint publication of the National Geographic Society and the White House Historical Association. Since its original publication in 1962, “The White House: An Historic Guide” has been revised, updated, and printed for over 60 years.
  • Treaty Room, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Frances Benjamin Johnston
    Treaty Room
    Second Floor
    This photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston is of the Treaty Room circa 1889. The Treaty Room is located on the Second Floor of the White House and is used as the president’s private study where the commander-in-chief can analyze reports, hold private meetings, edit speeches, and host family gatherings. It is one of the most historic rooms in the house, bearing witness to the signing of the peace protocol between Spain and United States in 1898, the Limited Nuclear Test Ban between the United States and the Soviet Union in 1963, and is possibly where President James Monroe composed the Monroe Doctrine. It has also served as the Cabinet Room for various administrations including for presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, and William McKinley. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. The original photograph is likely at the Library of Congress. Lorraine Waxman Pearce served as the first White House Curator from 1961 to 1962. As curator, she oversaw refurbishment projects, implemented collections policies, and collaborated with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to write the first White House guidebook—a joint publication of the National Geographic Society and the White House Historical Association. Since its original publication in 1962, “The White House: An Historic Guide” has been revised, updated, and printed for over 60 years.
  • Sideboard in the President's Dining Room, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    George F. Mobley
    President's Dining Room
    Second Floor
    This photograph is of a sideboard in the President's Dining Room decorated with pieces of silver. The mahogany sideboard has an inlaid eagle and belonged to Daniel Webster. Behind the sideboard is a scene from the panoramic wallpaper entitled "Views of the American War of Independence" by Jean Zuber et Cie which features events from the American Revolution against the backdrop of natural landmarks. George F. Mobley took this photograph in April 1962, during the John F. Kennedy administration. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. Lorraine Waxman Pearce served as the first White House Curator from 1961 to 1962. As curator, she oversaw refurbishment projects, implemented collections policies, and collaborated with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to write the first White House guidebook—a joint publication of the National Geographic Society and the White House Historical Association. Since its original publication in 1962, “The White House: An Historic Guide” has been revised, updated, and printed for over 60 years.
  • Second Floor Bedroom, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Unknown
    Second Floor
    Bedroom
    This undated photograph is of a bedroom on the Second Floor of the White House. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. Lorraine Waxman Pearce served as the first White House Curator from 1961 to 1962. As curator, she oversaw refurbishment projects, implemented collections policies, and collaborated with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to write the first White House guidebook—a joint publication of the National Geographic Society and the White House Historical Association. Since its original publication in 1962, “The White House: An Historic Guide” has been revised, updated, and printed for over 60 years.