This is an invitation to the White House for a reception celebrating the newly completed restoration of the Blue Room. First Lady Hillary Clinton hosted the event on February 17, 1995. Former White House Curator Lorraine Waxman Pearce was the recipient of this invitation. This invitation 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.

This invitation from President Richard M. Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon is for a reception celebrating the reopening of the Blue Room following refurbishment on May 15, 1972. The Blue Room had been closed since February 19, 1972, for a refurbishment project spearheaded by Mrs. Nixon alongside White House Curator Clement E. Conger and design consultant Edward Vason Jones. As first lady, Mrs. Nixon also oversaw the refurbishment of eight additional rooms, as well as major renovations to the Map and China Rooms. This invitation was sent to former White House Curator Lorraine Waxman Pearce, who attended the reception. This invitation 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, a crane lifts a refrigeration unit into the White House Pastry Shop through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, a construction crew lifts large appliances out of a truck in preparation of moving them into the new White House Pastry Shop. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, a crane lifts a large appliance into the new White House Pastry Shop through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, crew members work in preparation of lifting large kitchen appliances into the new White House Pastry Shop through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, a crane lifts a refrigeration unit into the new White House Pastry Shop through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, individuals involved in the creation of the new White House Pastry Shop stand on scaffolding being used to bring appliances through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, a construction crew lifts large appliances out of a truck in preparation of moving them into the new White House Pastry Shop. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, a crane lifts a large appliance into the new White House Pastry Shop through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, a crane lifts a large appliance into the White House Pastry Shop through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, a crane lifts a refrigeration unit into the new White House Pastry Shop through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, a construction crew lifts large appliances out of a truck in preparation of moving them into the new White House Pastry Shop. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, a crane lifts a large appliance into the White House Pastry Shop through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, a crane lifts a large appliance into the new White House Pastry Shop through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, individuals involved in the creation of the new White House Pastry Shop stand on scaffolding being used to bring appliances through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, individuals involved in the creation of the new White House Pastry Shop stand on scaffolding being used to bring appliances through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade of the White House. The individual on the left is likely assistant pastry chef Franette McCulloch. 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, individuals involved in the creation of the new White House Pastry Shop stand on scaffolding being used to bring appliances through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade of the White House. The individual on the left is likely assistant pastry chef Franette McCulloch. 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, a crane lifts a large appliance into the new White House Pastry Shop through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, individuals involved in the creation of the new White House Pastry Shop stand on scaffolding being used to bring appliances through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, individuals involved in the creation of the new White House Pastry Shop stand on scaffolding being used to bring appliances through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, a crane lifts a large appliance into the new White House Pastry Shop through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, a crane lifts a large appliance into the new White House Pastry Shop through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, individuals involved in the creation of the new White House Pastry Shop stand on scaffolding being used to bring appliances through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.

In this photograph by White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, individuals involved in the creation of the new White House Pastry Shop stand on scaffolding being used to bring appliances through a window on the north facade of the White House. After years of the pastry team making showstopping desserts in a small corner of the main White House Kitchen, First Lady Nancy Reagan helped Chef Mesnier push for the creation of the Pastry Shop. In the fall of 1992 construction began to establish the pastry shop in the mezzanine between the State Floor and Second Floor. Due to the shop's difficult location, the only option was to bring new appliances in through a window on the north facade 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.