• Menu from Luncheon for the 1983 Summit of Industrialized Nations
    White House Calligraphy Office
    menus
    meals
    documents
    Virginia
    travel
    Presidential Visit
    This menu (a copy of the original) is from a luncheon held during the 1983 Summit of Industrialized Nations, more commonly known as the G-7 Summit. President Ronald Reagan attended the luncheon, which was held on May 30, 1983 at Bassett Hall, a part of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. This menu is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for White House events from 1980 to 2004.
  • Menu from Dinner for the 1983 Summit of Industrialized Nations
    White House Calligraphy Office
    menus
    meals
    documents
    Virginia
    travel
    Presidential Visit
    This menu is from a dinner held during the 1983 Summit of Industrialized Nations, more commonly known as the G-7 Summit. President Ronald Reagan attended the dinner, which was held on May 28, 1983 at Carter's Grove, a former plantation that is part of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. This menu is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for White House events from 1980 to 2004.
  • Menu from State Dinner for the 1983 Summit of Industrialized Nations
    White House Calligraphy Office
    menus
    documents
    State Visit
    State Dinner
    Virginia
    travel
    Presidential Visit
    This menu is from a State Dinner held in honor of the 1983 Summit of Industrialized Nations, more commonly known as the G-7 Summit. The dinner was hosted by President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center in Williamsburg, Virginia (where the summit was held) on May 30, 1983. This menu is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for White House events from 1980 to 2004.
  • Menu from the Commowealth Dinner with the President of France
    White House Calligraphy Office
    menus
    meals
    documents
    Virginia
    travel
    Presidential Visit
    This menu is from the Commonwealth Dinner held in Williamsburg, Virginia on October 18, 1981. The dinner was held at the Governor's Palace and was attended by President Ronald Reagan, First Lady Nancy Reagan, Governor John N. Dalton of Virginia, First Lady of Virginia Edwina Dalton, President François Mitterrand of the French Republic, and Danielle Mitterrand, the First Lady of France. President Reagan and President Mitterrand were visiting Williamsburg in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown and to reinforce the partnership between the United States and France. This menu is part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier. Chef Mesnier created elaborate desserts for White House events from 1980 to 2004.
  • Chef Mesnier Working at the Homestead Hotel
    Unknown
    staff
    food & drink
    Residence staff
    Virginia
    In this photograph White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier prepares dessert at the Homestead Hotel in Hot Springs, Virginia. Chef Mesnier worked at the hotel from 1976 to 1979. It was while he was employed there that he interviewed with First Lady Rosalynn Carter and was chosen to be the next White House Executive Pastry Chef in December 1979. He went on to work at the White House for over 25 years, serving five presidents and first families. 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 Chefs with Pistachio Marquise
    Unknown
    staff
    residence
    food & drink
    Virginia
    Residence staff
    Presidential Visit
    In this photograph White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier and assistant pastry chef Franette McCulloch stand next to a table of desserts prepared for the Education Summit dinner held on September 27, 1989. The Education Summit was held at President Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, in Charlottesville Virginia. For this dinner the kitchen staff traveled to Virginia to cater the off-site event. Inspired by Jefferson's love of pistachios, Chef Mesnier made a pistachio marquise layered with chocolate joconde and macaron. Each dessert is surrounded by a chocolate fence similar to the one surrounding Monticello. On the side each is a large piece of rock-sugar mimicking limestone topped with a chocolate bust of Jefferson. 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 Reagan Visits the Ireland's Own
    Susan Biddle
    St. Patrick's Day
    Virginia
    This photograph of President Ronald Reagan at the Ireland's Own restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia was taken by Susan Biddle on March 17, 1988. President Reagan is pictured celebrating St. Patrick's Day with the restaurant's owner, Pat Troy.
  • President Bush Participates in a Wreath Laying Ceremony
    Unknown
    military
    memorials
    Virginia
    Veterans Day
    Arlington National Cemetery
    commemorations
    In this photograph, President George H. W. Bush participates in a ceremonial wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day 1991. Since 1921, presidents have paid their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, often in observance of military commemorations including Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
  • President Reagan Participates in a Wreath Laying Ceremony
    Pete Souza
    military
    memorials
    commemorations
    Virginia
    Veterans Day
    Arlington National Cemetery
    In this photograph, President Ronald Reagan participates in a ceremonial wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day 1985. Since 1921, presidents have paid their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, often in observance of military commemorations including Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
  • President Coolidge Participates in a Wreath Laying Ceremony
    Department of Defence
    military
    memorials
    commemorations
    Virginia
    Veterans Day
    Arlington National Cemetery
    In this photograph, taken in 1927, President Calvin Coolidge observes Armistice Day, which preceded the formal holiday of Veterans Day, by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Since 1921, presidents have paid their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, often in observance of military commemorations including Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
  • President Bush Dedicates National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
    Eric Draper
    memorials
    commemorations
    Virginia
    September 11
    Cabinet
    travel
    Presidential Visit
    In this photograph, President George W. Bush delivers a speech during the dedication ceremony for the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia on the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld can be seen seated behind the president. Designed by Julie Beckman and Keith Kaseman, the memorial honors the 184 victims who perished when the hijacked aircraft American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the west side of the Pentagon. The outdoor memorial identifies victims by name and age, and includes illuminated water features to represent each victim. In 2002, President Bush designated September 11th as Patriot Day, a time that has been recognized through presidential proclamations as a national day of remembrance, prayer, and service. Presidents and first ladies typically commemorate the day through moment of silence observations on the White House South Lawn, and by attending remembrance ceremonies at sites affected by the terrorist attacks.
  • Firefighters Unfurl Flag at Pentagon following 9/11 Terrorist Attacks
    Paul Morse
    flags
    Virginia
    September 11
    In this photograph, taken by Paul Morse on September 12, 2002, a group of firefighters unfurl a large American flag over the damaged Pentagon building in Arlington, Virginia following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The flag was displayed to encourage and inspire rescue workers as they searched the debris for survivors. On September 11, 2001, the hijacked aircraft American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the west side of the Pentagon, resulting in 184 casualties. On September 11, 2008, President George W. Bush attended the dedication ceremony of the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, built to honor the victims of the attack.
  • President and Mrs. Trump Participate in September 11 Observance Ceremony
    Andrea Hanks
    travel
    military
    memorials
    commemorations
    Virginia
    Presidential Visit
    September 11
    In this photograph, taken by Andrea Hanks on September 11, 2019, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump observe a moment of silence during the September 11th Observance Ceremony at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. In 2002, President George W. Bush designated September 11th as Patriot Day, a time that has been recognized through presidential proclamations as a national day of remembrance, prayer, and service. Presidents and first ladies typically commemorate the day through moment of silence observations on the White House South Lawn, and by attending remembrance ceremonies at sites affected by the terrorist attacks.
  • President and Mrs. Trump Participate in September 11 Observance Ceremony
    Andrea Hanks
    military
    memorials
    commemorations
    Virginia
    Cabinet
    September 11
    Presidential Visit
    travel
    In this photograph, taken by Andrea Hanks on September 11, 2019, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump participate in a wreath-laying ceremony with Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, his wife Leah Esper, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford and his wife Ellyn Dunford during the September 11th Observance Ceremony at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. In 2002, President George W. Bush designated September 11th as Patriot Day, a time that has been recognized through presidential proclamations as a national day of remembrance, prayer, and service. Presidents and first ladies typically commemorate the day through moment of silence observations on the White House South Lawn, and by attending remembrance ceremonies at sites affected by the terrorist attacks.
  • President Obama Participates in September 11 Observance Ceremony
    Pete Souza
    memorials
    flags
    commemorations
    Virginia
    Cabinet
    September 11
    Presidential Visit
    travel
    In this photograph, taken by Pete Souza on September 11, 2014, President Barack Obama listens to the national anthem with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staffs, during the September 11th Observance Ceremony at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. In 2002, President George W. Bush designated September 11th as Patriot Day, a time that has been recognized through presidential proclamations as a national day of remembrance, prayer, and service. Presidents and first ladies typically commemorate the day through moment of silence observations on the White House South Lawn, and by attending remembrance ceremonies at sites affected by the terrorist attacks.
  • President Obama Attends September 11 Observance Ceremony
    Pete Souza
    commemorations
    Virginia
    September 11
    travel
    Presidential Visit
    In this photograph, President Barack Obama greets guests at the Pentagon during a ceremony commemorating the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. In 2002, President George W. Bush designated September 11th as Patriot Day, a time that has been recognized through presidential proclamations as a national day of remembrance, prayer, and service. Presidents and first ladies typically commemorate the day through moment of silence observations on the White House South Lawn, and by attending remembrance ceremonies at sites affected by the terrorist attacks.
  • Mrs. Obama Attends September 11 Wreath-Laying Ceremony
    Pete Souza
    travel
    commemorations
    Virginia
    September 11
    First Lady Visit
    military
    In this photograph, First Lady Michelle Obama attends a wreath-laying ceremony at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, in commemoration of the eighth anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. Mrs. Obama stands with other event attendees outside in the rain; a military aide holds an umbrella aloft. In 2002, President George W. Bush designated September 11th as Patriot Day, a time that has been recognized through presidential proclamations as a national day of remembrance, prayer, and service. Presidents and first ladies typically commemorate the day through moment of silence observations on the White House South Lawn, and by attending remembrance ceremonies at sites affected by the terrorist attacks.
  • Vice President Tyler Receives News of President Harrison's Death
    Unknown
    presidential sites & libraries
    Virginia
    prints
    engraving
    This engraving depicts Vice President John Tyler at his home in Williamsburg, Virginia, receiving news from a messenger regarding the death of President William Henry Harrison. On April 4, 1841, Harrison became the first president to die while in office following a battle with pneumonia. As the first vice president to unexpectedly rise to the office of the presidency, Tyler established a precedent of not merely title but also presidential power falling to the new successor. This image appears in a book titled "The Lives of the Presidents" by William O. Stoddard, published in 1886.
  • The Kennedys and President Khan and His Daughter at Mount Vernon
    Robert L. Knudsen
    residence
    presidential sites & libraries
    Virginia
    State Visit
    State Dinner
    Head of State
    staff
    This photograph of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on July 11, 1961. President and Mrs. Kennedy are photographed in front of Mount Vernon alongside President Mohammad Ayub Khan of Pakistan and his daughter, Begum Nasir Akhtar Aurangzeb. Mount Vernon provided the location and backdrop for a State Dinner held in President Khan’s honor and was the first of its kind held outside the White House. Mrs. Kennedy wore a dress designed for her by Oleg Cassini, which she requested be columnar in shape to echo Mount Vernon’s historic facade. Mount Vernon was the estate of President George Washington.
  • Cannonading on the Potomac, October, 1861, White House Collection
    painting
    landscapes
    Virginia
    Maryland
    Civil War
    White House Collection
    This landscape is by Alfred Wordsworth Thompson, an artist who captured American Civil War battle scenes for publications such as Harper's Weekly and the Illustrated London News. Thompson composed both engraved illustrations and paintings. This particular painting depicts the October 20, 1861 cannon fire across the Potomac River near Ball's Bluff and Leesburg in Virginia and Harrison Island and Edwards Ferry in Maryland that was a precursor to the Battle of Ball's Bluff on October 21st.
  • Mrs. Kennedy Arrives for Weekend Vacation at Wexford
    Cecil Stoughton
    residence
    Virginia
    Residence staff
    staff
    This photograph, taken by White House photographer Cecil Stoughton on October 26, 1963, shows First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy arriving with her children Caroline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy, Jr. for a weekend getaway to their family estate in Akota, Virginia. They are accompanied by Maud Shaw, the children's governess. The Kennedys built the house on the 166-acre estate after losing their lease on Glen Ora, their former weekend vacation home near Middleburg, Virginia. Mrs. Kennedy named the house Wexford after the Irish county from which her husband's family could trace their ancestry.
  • Herbert and Lou Hoover Relax at Rapidan Camp
    Unknown
    leisure
    Virginia
    National Park
    In this photograph, President Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover relax on the porch of their cabin at Rapidan Camp. In the summer of 1929, President Hoover purchased and developed a 164-acre campsite in Madison County, Virginia, so that it could serve as a presidential country retreat by trout season the following spring. The camp included 13 cabins designed by James Yardley Rippin, a friend of the Hoovers, who also had also designed cabins for the Girl Scouts. The cabin where the Hoovers resided was called the Brown House, in contrast to their more famous abode in Washington, D.C., and featured a simple yet spacious 60-foot-long central living space. President Hoover donated Rapidan Camp to the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1932 as a country retreat for future presidents. However, Hoover's polio-stricken successor President Franklin D. Roosevelt had difficulty navigating the demanding terrain, and established his own country retreat, which later became the preferred presidential retreat Camp David. Rapidan Camp and its surrounding woodlands were integrated into Shendanoah National Park when it was formally established on December 26, 1935. Under the management of the National Park Service, the Brown House was refurnished to its 1929 appearance, and made accessible to the public through guided tours.
  • President Harding's Voyage of Understanding, Martinsburg, West Virginia, Side A
    Keystone View Company
    West Virginia
    Presidential Visits
    travel
    This stereograph by Keystone View Company shows President Warren G. Harding making a speech, probably in Martinsburg, West Virginia, early on in his "Voyage of Understanding." The Voyage of Understanding was the name given to Harding's tour of the western United States and Alaska. Harding was the first sitting president to visit Alaska. The caption reads: "President Harding Making One of His First Speeches on Great Alaskan Trip at Martinsburg, Maryland." though it is likely the president was in Martinsburg, West Virginia. There is text on the back of this card. See image number 1112029.
  • President Obama Participates in Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Arlington Cemetery
    Pete Souza
    Arlington National Cemetery
    military
    memorial
    Virginia
    This photograph by Pete Souza shows President Barack Obama at Arlington National Cemetery after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns following a ceremony for National Medal of Honor Day, March 25, 2009.
  • The Peacemakers by George Peter Alexander Healy (1813-1894), White House Collection
    G. P. A. Healy
    transportation
    military
    meetings
    Virginia
    Civil War
    White House Collection
    This painting by George Peter Alexander Healy depicts a meeting late in the Civil War. In the cabin of the steamer The River Queen are seated (from left to right) Major General William T. Sherman, Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, President Abraham Lincoln, and Rear Admiral David D. Porter. The meeting took place in March 1865 on the James River in City Point, Virginia, less than a week before the fall of Petersburg, Virginia. According to Porter, the discussion flowed mostly between Lincoln and Sherman, which is reflected in all four subjects' body languages. Sherman previously sat for a portrait by Healy and commissioned the artist to paint the meeting, providing him with first-hand accounts by himself and Porter as well as a diagram of the cabin. Born in Boston, Massachussetts, Healy was a popular portrait painter who sketched and painted Lincoln multiple times during his presidency.