• Hassel Adams and Robert M. Redmond Holding the Kennedy Family Dogs
    Robert L. Knudsen
    staff
    West Wing
    Residence staff
    pets
    This photograph Hassel Adams and Robert M. Redmond with the Kennedy family dogs was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on June 20, 1961. Adams, left, is holding Charlie, a Welsh terrier, and Redmond is holding Pushinka, a recent gift from Soviet Premier Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev to President John F. Kennedy. Redmond worked as a gardener from 1923 to 1963 and Adams was also on the gardens and grounds team. The group is photographed in White House Press Secretary Pierre Salinger's office in the West Wing.
  • Samuel M. Biggs Mows the Lawn Outside the West Wing
    Harris & Ewing
    staff
    Residence staff
    North Grounds
    West Wing
    This photograph of Samuel "Sam" M. Biggs mowing the lawn outside the West Wing was taken on January 27, 1937. Biggs worked at the White House circa 1929 to 1937. Over the course of his career at the White House he worked as a laborer, yardman, and gardener.
  • President Truman Congratulates Mays and Jackson on 41 Years Working at the White House
    Harris & Ewing
    staff
    Residence staff
    West Wing
    Oval Office
    This photograph of President Harry S. Truman with John W. Mays, right, and Samuel C. Jackson, left, was taken by Harris & Ewing on March 4, 1950. President Truman is captured celebrating Mays and Jackson for their 41 years of working at the White House. Both men began working on March 4, 1909. Mays, who held many roles in the White House including doorkeeper, messenger, and barber, would continue to work at the White House until 1953. Jackson, a doorman, messenger, and custodian over the course of his career, retired from the White House in 1951. Truman presented Mays and Jackson with autographed dollar bills to honor their milestone.
  • President Clinton Receiving a Briefing in the Situation Room
    Central Intelligence Agency
    West Wing
    Situation Room
    staff
    staff of FLOTUS and POTUS
    This photograph is of President Bill Clinton receiving a briefing in the Situation Room from Amb. Richard C. Holbrooke, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John M. Shalikashvili, Secretary of Defense William James Perry, Vice President Al Gore, chief of staff Leon E. Panetta, Office of Management and Budget director Alice M. Rivlin, and others on February 20, 1996.
  • The Situation Room, Kennedy Administration
    Robert L. Knudsen
    Situation Room
    West Wing
    This photograph of the Situation Room, then known as the West Wing Conference Room, was taken by Robert Knudsen on February 7, 1962 during the John F. Kennedy administration.
  • President Johnson Reviews a Relief Map
    Yochi R. Okamoto
    West Wing
    Situation Room
    staff
    staff of FLOTUS and POTUS
    This photograph is of President Lyndon B. Johnson, National Security Advisor Walt Whitman Rostow, and others looking at a relief map of the Khe Sanh, Vietnam. From left to right are White House press secretary George Christian, President Johnson, Gen. Robert N. Ginsburgh, and Rostow. It was taken in the Situation Room by Yoichi R. Okamoto on February 15, 1968.
  • White House Switchboard Operators
    Len Vaughn-Lahman
    staff
    Eisenhower Executive Office Building
    Residence staff
    This photograph of White House switchboard operators was taken in June 1975 by Len Lahman during the Gerald R. Ford administration. The operators worked in the Old Executive Office Building, which was rededicated as the Eisenhower Executive Office Building by President George W. Bush in 2002. The ten-position Western Electric switchboard was installed in 1963. Switchboard operators answered thousands of calls every day.
  • President Obama and National Security Team Monitor bin Laden Raid
    Pete Souza
    West Wing
    Situation Room
    Cabinet
    September 11
    counterterrorism
    In this photograph taken by Pete Souza, President Barack Obama and his national security team sit in the Situation Room to monitor a military raid lead by SEAL Team Six on the compound housing Osama bin Laden on May 1, 2011. The group assembled in one of the several conference rooms that comprises the Situation Room, watching the raid live as it took place in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The military raid resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden, mastermind of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. Seated in this photograph from left to right are: Vice President Joseph R. Biden; President Obama; Brig. Gen. Marshall B. Webb; Denis R. McDonough, deputy national security advisor; Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton; and Secretary of Defense Robert Michael Gates. Standing behind them, from left right, are: Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; national security advisor Thomas E. Donilon; chief of staff Wiliam M. Daley; Antony J. Blinken, national security advisor to the vice president; Audrey Tomason, director for counterterrorism; John O. Brennan, assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism; and Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper. A classified document on the table in front of Secretary Clinton has been obscured for security reasons.
  • President Reagan Signs the Reparations Bill for Japanese-Americans
    Pete Souza
    signing
    Eisenhower Executive Office Building
    bills
    In this photograph by Pete Souza, President Ronald Reagan signs the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 on August 10, 1988 in room 450 of the Old Executive Office Building, now called the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The Civil Liberties Act of 1988 provided redress for the Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II. Present at the signing were Senator Pete Wilson of California, Senator Spark M. Matsunaga of Hawaii, Representative Norman Yoshio Mineta of California, Representative Bill Lowery of California, and Representative Robert T. Matsui of California, among others.
  • President Obama Meets with Japanese-American World War II Veterans
    Pete Souza
    ceremonies
    West Wing
    Oval Office
    military
    In this photograph by Pete Souza, President Barack Obama returns the salute of Tommie Okabayashi in the Oval Office on February 18, 2014. Okabayashi was one of seven surviving Japanese American World War II veterans President Obama met with that day at the White House. In 2010, President Obama signed into law the legislation passed by Congress to reward the Congressional Gold Medal to the 33,000 second-generation Japanese American soldiers who fought in World War II. The Congressional Gold Medal is among the highest civilian awards given by the United States government.
  • President Eisenhower Signs the Hawai'i Admission Act of 1959
    Abbie Rowe
    bill
    signing
    Oval Office
    West Wing
    This photograph by Abbie Rowe of President Dwight D. Eisenhower signing the Hawai'i Admission Act of 1959 in the Oval Office was taken on March 18, 1959. Standing next to him is Henry R. McPhee, associate special counsel to President Eisenhower. In June of 1959 the citizens of Hawai'i voted on a referendum to accept the statehood bill and on August 21, 1959, President Eisenhower signed the official proclamation admitting Hawai'i as the 50th state. The Oval Office is located in the West Wing of the White House.
  • President Eisenhower Signs the Hawai'i Admission Act of 1959
    Abbie Rowe
    Oval Office
    West Wing
    signing
    bill
    This photograph by Abbie Rowe of President Dwight D. Eisenhower signing the Hawai'i Admission Act of 1959 in the Oval Office was taken on March 18, 1959. Standing next to him is Henry R. McPhee, associate special counsel to President Eisenhower. In June of 1959 the citizens of Hawai'i voted on a referendum to accept the statehood bill and on August 21, 1959, President Eisenhower signed the official proclamation admitting Hawai'i as the 50th state. The Oval Office is located in the West Wing of the White House.
  • President Clinton Signs Official Apology to Native Hawaiians
    Sharon Farmer
    Oval Office
    bills
    signing
    commeration
    West Wing
    This photograph by Sharon Farmer of President Bill Clinton signing Public Law 103-150 in the Oval Office was taken on November 23, 1993. The resolution acknowledged the 100th anniversary of the January 17, 1893 overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i and offered an apology to Native Hawaiians on behalf of the United States. Vice President Al Gore joined President Clinton alongside Hawai'i's representatives in Congress: Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Representative Patsy T. Mink, and Representative Neil Abercrombie.
  • President Ford Discusses Aid to Cambodia with Senators and Advisors
    Bruce Dale
    staff of FLOTUS and POTUS
    staff
    West Wing
    Oval Office
    Congress
    In this photograph, taken March 6, 1975 by Bruce Dale, President Gerald R. Ford meets with United States Senators and advisors to discuss aid to Cambodia. Senator Hubert H. Humphrey of Minnesota; Senator Clifford P. Case of New Jersey; Senator John Sparkman of Alabama; John Ortho Marsh, Jr., counselor to the president; Max Friedersdorf, White House assistant for Congressional Relations; Lt. Gen. Brent Snowcroft, deputy assistant to the president for National Security Affairs; and William T. Kendall, deputy assistant for Legislative Affairs. Earlier, Humphrey had served as Vice President of the United States under President Lyndon B. Johnson.
  • Robert Redford Visits West Wing Staff
    Bruce Dale
    staff
    White House Guests
    West Wing
    staff of FLOTUS and POTUS
    This photograph of members of the West Wing staff meeting with actor Robert Redford was taken on March 6, 1975 by Bruce Dale during the administration of Gerald R. Ford. The group met with the actor in an office in the West Wing. President Ford's daughter, Susan Ford, and press secretary Ron Nessen were also on hand for the meeting.
  • President Carter and Amy Carter Learn to Speed Read
    Unknown
    West Wing
    First Family
    Cabinet Room
    leisure
    In this photograph taken on February 22, 1977, President Jimmy Carter and his daughter, Amy Carter, participate in a speed reading course in the Cabinet Room. During his time in office, President Carter took a night course -- along with Amy -- to learn how to speed read. Carter learned speed reading in order to keep on top of all the paperwork, memoranda, and correspondences that were required as a part of his responsibilities as President of the United States. The Cabinet Room is located in the West Wing of the White House.
  • Chef McCulloch Lites Mrs. Reagan's Birthday Cake
    Mary Anne Fackelman
    staff
    birthdays
    West Wing
    Residence staff
    Navy Mess
    celebrations
    In this photograph, assistant pastry chef Franette McCulloch lights the candles on a birthday cake for First Lady Nancy Reagan's 64th birthday. The cake was presented at a birthday luncheon hosted in her honor in the Navy Mess in the West Wing on July 11, 1985. Decorating the cake was a portrait of Mrs. Reagan and pulled-sugar flowers. 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 with President George W. Bush
    Unknown
    staff
    food & drink
    Residence staff
    West Wing
    In this photograph, White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier serves a dessert to President George W. Bush in the West Wing. 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 Plates Desserts in the West Garden Room
    Unknown
    staff
    food & drink
    Residence Staff
    West Wing
    West Garden Room
    This is a photograph of White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier plating chocolate dome cakes in the West Garden Room of the White House. It is likely that Chef Mesnier was in the West Garden Room for an event being held just outside, in the Rose Garden. Chocolate dome cakes were a favorite of President Jimmy Carter. The cake layers were made with biscuit macaroon, a type of soft cake, and layered with chocolate mousse. 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 Walking the West Colonnade
    Unknown
    staff
    Residence Staff
    West Wing
    West Colonnade
    In this photograph, White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier walks the length of the West Colonnade carrying a bag. Chef Mesnier is walking in the direction of the West Wing. 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.
  • Cherry Sherbet Desserts, State Dinner for Japan
    Roland Mesnier
    food & drink
    State Visit
    State Dinner
    West Wing
    West Garden Room
    These cherry sherbet desserts were created by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier for a State Dinner in honor of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan hosted by President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton on June 13, 1994. Big, white almond ice cream balls filled with red cherry sorbet were surrounded by cut open red sugar balls that resembled cherries. Chef Mesnier intended for the balls of white ice cream and red sorbet filing to look like the Japanese flag when they were cut into. Stems of sugar cherry blossoms were added to the top as tribute to the cherry blossom trees surrounding the Tidal Basin that were gifted by Japan in 1912 as a symbol of friendship. The base of the dessert was garnished with cherries and poached kumquat tartlets. Accompanying the main dessert were baskets of petit fours shaped like sushi. The desserts are photographed here in the West Garden Room, just inside of the Rose Garden, where the dinner took place. For the full menu from this State Dinner, see 1140834. 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.
  • Exterior of the Oval Office, Biden Administration
    Matthew D'Agostino
    holidays
    Easter Egg Roll
    Easter
    West Wing
    west view
    This photograph features an exterior shot of the Oval Office of the White House taken during the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 10, 2023. The theme for the 2023 White House Easter Egg Roll, which was hosted by President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, was a return of "EGGucation," which Dr. Biden also selected in 2022. Activities at the annual celebration included the traditional Easter egg roll and egg hunt, special guest readers in the reading nook, costumed characters, food, and arts and crafts, among other educational activities. This photograph was taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association.
  • Exterior of the Oval Office, Biden Administration
    Matthew D'Agostino
    holidays
    Easter Egg Roll
    Easter
    West Wing
    west view
    This photograph features an exterior shot of the Oval Office of the White House taken during the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 10, 2023. The theme for the 2023 White House Easter Egg Roll, which was hosted by President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, was a return of "EGGucation," which Dr. Biden also selected in 2022. Activities at the annual celebration included the traditional Easter egg roll and egg hunt, special guest readers in the reading nook, costumed characters, food, and arts and crafts, among other educational activities. This photograph was taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association.
  • Eisenhower Executive Office Building Decorated for French State Visit
    Matthew D'Agostino
    State Visit
    Eisenhower Executive Office Building
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building was taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association on December 1, 2022. The Eisenhower Executive Office Building is shown decorated with the flags of the United States of America and the French Republic in honor of a State Visit that day by President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed Macron and Brigitte Macron, spouse to the president of France, to the White House, starting off the State Visit with a State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn in the morning followed by a joint press conference with President Biden and Macron in the East Room, and, later that evening, a State Dinner. This was President Biden's first State Visit as president. Formerly known as the Old Executive Office Building, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building was renamed with legislation signed by President Bill Clinton in 1999 and with a rededication ceremony presided over by President George W. Bush in 2002. Commissioned by President Ulysses S. Grant and completed in 1888, the building was designed by Alfred Mullet in the Second Empire style, which is characterized by a sloping mansard roof and grand embellishments. Originally known as the State, War, and Navy Building, the building houses the offices of much of the president’s staff.
  • North View of the White House, Biden Administration
    Matthew D'Agostino
    North Portico
    north view
    North Lawn
    West Wing
    This photograph of the north view of the White House was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on November 20, 2023 prior to the arrival of the Official White House Christmas tree at the North Portico steps. The tree was delivered by horse-drawn carriage and carefully escorted to the Blue Room, where it remained on display for the holiday season. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the 18.5-foot Fraser Fir from Fleetwood, North Carolina, along with the children of military families who were given the opportunity to touch the horses and tree and pose with it. Since 1966, the Christmas tree displayed in the Blue Room has been presented to the White House following a contest run by the National Christmas Tree Association. The winners of this year's contest were Amber Scott and Alex Church of Cline Church Nursery.