• Decor at France State Dinner for Emmanuel Macron
    Matthew D'Agostino
    State Visit
    State Dinner
    South Lawn
    South Grounds
    decorations
    flowers
    This photograph of floral arrangements and other decor was taken during a State Dinner honoring President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic on December 1, 2022. The State Dinner was part of Macron's official State Visit with President Joseph R. Biden, and was preceded earlier in the day by a State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn and a joint press conference with Biden and Macron in the East Room of the White House. The State Dinner took place under a tent on the South Lawn and included decor in red, white, and blue - the common colors on the flags of the United States and France - and a performance by singer-songwriter Jon Batiste. This photograph was taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association.
  • Flowers in the Red Room, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Unknown
    flowers
    Red Room
    State Floor
    This photograph features a bouquet of flowers in the Red Room. It was likely taken during the John F. Kennedy administration. The room was first decorated with red fabrics during the James K. Polk administration in 1845. The space is often filled with furnishings in the American “Empire” or “Grecian” style. The parlor has been used for intimate receptions, teas, and meetings. 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.
  • Flowers on Display in the White House, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Unknown
    flowers
    This photograph of a bouquet of flowers was likely taken during the John F. Kennedy administration. It is unknown what room these flowers were displayed in. 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.
  • Flowers in the Red Room, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Unknown
    flowers
    Red Room
    State Floor
    This photograph features a bouquet of flowers in the Red Room. It was likely taken during the John F. Kennedy administration. The room was first decorated with red fabrics during the James K. Polk administration in 1845. The space is often filled with furnishings in the American “Empire” or “Grecian” style. The parlor has been used for intimate receptions, teas, and meetings. 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.
  • Flowers in the State Dining Room, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Unknown
    flowers
    State Dining Room
    State Floor
    place settings
    This photograph of a bouquet of flowers on display in the State Dining Room was likely taken during the John F. Kennedy administration. The flowers sit atop a table with place settings for an event. The State Dining Room is located on the State Floor of the White House. The room is often the setting for state or official dinners and is the second largest room in 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.
  • Something Old, Something New Composite
    White House Historical Association
    WHHA
    weddings
    flowers
    This composite image of floral prints and photographs of wedding bouquets was featured in the digital exhibit entitled "Something Old, Something New: Eight First Daughters’ Fashionable White House Weddings." It may only be used for press and publicity purposes related to the exhibit. All other uses must be approved by the White House Historical Association in writing.
  • Alice Roosevelt Longworth's Wedding Bouquet
    Unknown
    celebrations
    flowers
    weddings
    This photograph of Alice Roosevelt Longworth's wedding bouquet was taken circa March 9, 1906. Alice, daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt and Alice Lee Roosevelt, married Nicholas Longworth, a member of the House of Representatives from Ohio, weeks earlier during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on February 17, 1906. Alice’s wedding bouquet was composed of rare varieties of white orchids and maidenhair fern in a cascade fashion, a popular English style of the time. The blossoms were tied together at the stem with white chiffon satin ribbon that extended into the floral cascade. After the ceremony, Alice gave flowers from the bouquet to some of her friends.
  • Spring Flowers on the South Lawn, Biden Administration
    Matthew D'Agostino
    flowers
    South Lawn
    South Grounds
    This photograph of springtime flowers, including tulips, was taken by Matthew D'Agostino during the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 10, 2023. The flowers bordered the South Fountain. Installed in the 1850s, the South Fountain was the first ornamental water fountain on the White House Grounds. Due to poor construction, it was replaced in 1876.
  • Spring Flowers on the South Lawn, Biden Administration
    Matthew D'Agostino
    flowers
    South Lawn
    South Grounds
    This photograph of springtime flowers, including tulips, was taken by Matthew D'Agostino during the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 10, 2023. The flowers bordered the South Fountain. Installed in the 1850s, the South Fountain was the first ornamental water fountain on the White House Grounds. Due to poor construction, it was replaced in 1876.
  • Spring Flowers on the South Lawn, Biden Administration
    Matthew D'Agostino
    flowers
    South Lawn
    South Grounds
    This photograph of springtime flowers, including tulips, was taken by Matthew D'Agostino during the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 10, 2023. The flowers bordered the South Fountain. Installed in the 1850s, the South Fountain was the first ornamental water fountain on the White House Grounds. Due to poor construction, it was replaced in 1876.
  • Spring Flowers on the South Lawn, Biden Administration
    Matthew D'Agostino
    flowers
    South Lawn
    South Grounds
    This photograph of springtime flowers, including tulips, was taken by Matthew D'Agostino during the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 10, 2023. The flowers bordered the South Fountain. Installed in the 1850s, the South Fountain was the first ornamental water fountain on the White House Grounds. Due to poor construction, it was replaced in 1876.
  • Flowers in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Biden Administration
    Matthew D'Agostino
    flowers
    South Grounds
    Jacqueline Kennedy Garden
    This photograph of tulips, green hedges, and other springtime botanical sights in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was taken by Matthew D'Agostino during the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 10, 2023. Formerly called the East Garden, or the First Lady's Garden, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was formally dedicated to Mrs. Kennedy by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson in 1965. The botanical composition of the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden changes with each administration. Where the Rose Garden is centered on roses, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden is centered on the personal tastes of the current administration.
  • Flowers in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Biden Administration
    Matthew D'Agostino
    flowers
    South Grounds
    Jacqueline Kennedy Garden
    This photograph of tulips, green hedges, and other springtime botanical sights in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was taken by Matthew D'Agostino during the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 10, 2023. Formerly called the East Garden, or the First Lady's Garden, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was formally dedicated to Mrs. Kennedy by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson in 1965. The botanical composition of the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden changes with each administration. Where the Rose Garden is centered on roses, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden is centered on the personal tastes of the current administration.
  • Flowers in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Biden Administration
    Matthew D'Agostino
    flowers
    South Grounds
    Jacqueline Kennedy Garden
    This photograph of tulips, green hedges, and other springtime botanical sights in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was taken by Matthew D'Agostino during the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 10, 2023. Formerly called the East Garden, or the First Lady's Garden, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was formally dedicated to Mrs. Kennedy by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson in 1965. The botanical composition of the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden changes with each administration. Where the Rose Garden is centered on roses, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden is centered on the personal tastes of the current administration.
  • Flowers in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Biden Administration
    Matthew D'Agostino
    flowers
    South Grounds
    Jacqueline Kennedy Garden
    This photograph of tulips, green hedges, and other springtime botanical sights in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was taken by Matthew D'Agostino during the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 10, 2023. Formerly called the East Garden, or the First Lady's Garden, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden was formally dedicated to Mrs. Kennedy by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson in 1965. The botanical composition of the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden changes with each administration. Where the Rose Garden is centered on roses, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden is centered on the personal tastes of the current administration.
  • Easter Eggs on the South Lawn, 2023 White House Easter Egg Roll
    Matthew D'Agostino
    holidays
    South Lawn
    South Grounds
    Easter Egg Roll
    flowers
    This photograph of Easter eggs on the South Lawn was taken by Matthew D'Agostino at the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 10, 2023. The theme for the 2023 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.
  • Arrangements in the White House Flower Shop
    Joyce N. Boghosian
    Flower Shop
    Ground Floor
    This photograph of the White House Flower Shop was taken by Joyce N. Boghosian on April 14, 2008 during the George W. Bush administration. The White House Flower Shop is a small work space under the North Portico. Florists design arrangements for public and private spaces throughout the White House, coordinating arrays with each room’s unique color palette. They also provide stunning centerpieces for special events, such as State Dinners.
  • President Johnson Gives a Magnolia Blossom to Peggy Fleming
    Yoichi R. Okamoto
    sports
    White House Guests
    West Wing
    Oval Office
    flowers
    In this photograph, taken by Yoichi R. Okamoto on March 27, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson pins a saucer magnolia flower to the lapel of figure skating champion Peggy Fleming in the Oval Office. Johnson plucked the blossom for Fleming from a saucer magnolia tree in the Rose Garden. The 19-year-old figure skater earned a gold medal in the ladies' singles competition at the 1968 Winter Olympic Games in Grenoble, France. President Johnson invited Fleming and her mother Doris to the Oval Office, where he presented the Olympic champion with a gold bangle and pinned the magnolia blossom to her lapel. Later in her career, Fleming headed a figure skating group that performed for President Jimmy Carter during a Christmas party for White House staff on December 22, 1980.
  • Christmas Card Display in the East Garden Room, 1987
    Susan Biddle
    winter holidays
    flowers
    decorations
    Ground Floor
    East Garden Room
    Christmas
    This photograph of the East Garden Room decorated for the holiday season was taken by Susan Biddle on December 12, 1987. That year, the White House decorations took inspiration from First Lady Nancy Reagan's theme "A Toyland Musical Christmas," and featured vignettes inspired by classic Christmas songs. The East Garden Room was decorated with winter flowers including a massive "tree" made of arranged, potted poinsettias. Also featured in the room were teakwood candlesticks and a display of White House Christmas cards sent by previous administrations. Historic Christmas cards have traditionally been displayed in the East Garden Room during the holiday season since the Richard M. Nixon administration.
  • Mrs. Trump Welcomes Trick-or-Treaters
    Andrea Hanks
    Halloween
    South Grounds
    flowers
    decorations
    In this photograph, taken by Andrea Hanks, First Lady Melania Trump poses for a photograph with a young guest during a Halloween celebration at the White House on on October 25, 2020. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted the event for local schoolchildren, children of frontline workers, and military families. The event included performances of seasonal tunes by the United States Air Force Strolling Strings as well as display stands and giveaway booths on the South Grounds by government agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Transportation. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event incorporated safety measures including social distancing, hand sanitizing stations, a face mask requirement for guests ages 2 and up, and a "no touch" policy for giveaway distribution.
  • U.S. Air Force Strolling Strings Perform for Halloween 2020
    Andrea Hanks
    military
    flowers
    decorations
    U.S. Air Force Band
    South Portico
    Halloween
    performing
    music
    This photograph of violinists from the United States Air Force Strolling Strings performing on the west staircase of the South Portico was taken by Andrea Hanks on October 25, 2020, during a Halloween celebration at the White House hosted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for local schoolchildren, children of frontline workers, and military families. The staircase is decorated with vibrant purple and orange chrysanthemums and cascading pumpkins. The event included performances of seasonal tunes by the United States Air Force Strolling Strings as well as display stands and giveaway booths on the South Grounds by government agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Transportation. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event incorporated safety measures including social distancing, hand sanitizing stations, a face mask requirement for guests ages 2 and up, and a "no touch" policy for giveaway distribution.
  • U.S. Air Force Strolling Strings Perform for Halloween 2020
    Andrea Hanks
    military
    flowers
    decorations
    U.S. Air Force Band
    South Portico
    Halloween
    performing
    music
    This photograph of violinists from the United States Air Force Strolling Strings performing on the east staircase of the South Portico was taken by Andrea Hanks on October 25, 2020, during a Halloween celebration at the White House hosted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for local schoolchildren, children of frontline workers, and military families. The staircase is decorated with vibrant yellow and orange chrysanthemums and cascading pumpkins. The event included performances of seasonal tunes by the United States Air Force Strolling Strings as well as display stands and giveaway booths on the South Grounds by government agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Transportation. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event incorporated safety measures including social distancing, hand sanitizing stations, a face mask requirement for guests ages 2 and up, and a "no touch" policy for giveaway distribution.
  • Halloween at the White House, 2020
    Andrea Hanks
    South Grounds
    flowers
    Halloween
    This photograph was taken by Andrea Hanks on October 25, 2020, during a Halloween celebration at the White House hosted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for local schoolchildren, children of frontline workers, and military families. The event included performances of seasonal tunes by the United States Air Force Strolling Strings as well as display stands and giveaway booths on the South Grounds by government agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Transportation. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event incorporated safety measures including social distancing, hand sanitizing stations, a face mask requirement for guests ages 2 and up, and a "no touch" policy for giveaway distribution. The South Fountain is prominently featured in the foreground of this photograph, surrounded by orange flowers.
  • Halloween at the White House, 2020
    Andrea Hanks
    decorations
    flowers
    Halloween
    South Portico
    This photograph of the east staircase of the South Portico decorated for Halloween was taken by Andrea Hanks on October 25, 2020. The staircase is decorated with vibrant yellow and orange chrysanthemums and cascading pumpkins. That evening, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted a Halloween celebration at the White House for local schoolchildren, children of frontline workers, and military families. The event included performances of seasonal tunes by the United States Air Force Strolling Strings as well as display stands and giveaway booths on the South Grounds by government agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Transportation. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event incorporated safety measures including social distancing, hand sanitizing stations, a face mask requirement for guests ages 2 and up, and a "no touch" policy for giveaway distribution.
  • Blue Room Prepared for a Holiday Breakfast Reception
    Joseph J. Scherschel
    meals
    food & drink
    flowers
    State Floor
    Blue Room
    winter holidays
    This photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel in December 1969, shows a table in the Blue Room lined with trays of pastries, floral decorations, orange juice, and coffee for a breakfast reception. It is possible the buffet was served during a White House holiday reception during the Richard M. Nixon administration; the Blue Room is festively decorated with red candles, garlands, and ornaments for the season.