This composite is a compilation of materials from the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection and other sources. Lorraine Waxman Pearce served as the first White House Curator from 1961 to 1962. This composite may only be used for press and publicity purposes related to the collection. All other uses must be approved by the White House Historical Association in writing.

This is a photograph of a desk plate for White House Curator Lorraine Waxman Pearce. The desk plate reads, "Mrs. John N. Pearce / Curator" with two dragons depicted on either side. Both the text and the dragons appear to be inlay with an abalone-type material. Martin Radigan photographed the desk plate in March 2022. 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.

This composite is a compilation of photographs from the Chef Roland Mesnier Collection. White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier created elaborate desserts for the White House from 1980 to 2004. This composite may only be used for press and publicity purposes related to the collection. All other uses must be approved by the White House Historical Association in writing.

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.

This photograph of White House Executive Chef Henry Haller was taken in April 1970 by Joseph J. Scherschel during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. Here, Chef Haller prepares beef Wellington. The White House Kitchen is located on the Ground Floor of the Executive Mansion.

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.

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.

This photograph of White House Executive Pastry Chef Susan "Susie" E. Morrison with the White House Gingerbread House was taken by David Wiegold on November 27, 2023 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" as the 2023 holiday theme. The decor was inspired by children and how they embrace and revel in the holiday season. The 2023 White House Gingerbread House, on display in the State Dining Room, commemorated the 200th anniversary of the publication of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The display featured a sugar cookie replica of the book and Santa’s sleigh soaring over the White House grounds.

This photograph of White House Executive Pastry Chef Susan "Susie" E. Morrison with the White House Gingerbread House was taken by David Wiegold on November 27, 2023 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" as the 2023 holiday theme. The decor was inspired by children and how they embrace and revel in the holiday season. The 2023 White House Gingerbread House, on display in the State Dining Room, commemorated the 200th anniversary of the publication of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The display featured a sugar cookie replica of the book and Santa’s sleigh soaring over the White House grounds.

This photograph of White House Executive Pastry Chef Susan "Susie" E. Morrison with the White House Gingerbread House was taken by David Wiegold on November 27, 2023 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" as the 2023 holiday theme. The decor was inspired by children and how they embrace and revel in the holiday season. The 2023 White House Gingerbread House, on display in the State Dining Room, commemorated the 200th anniversary of the publication of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The display featured a sugar cookie replica of the book and Santa’s sleigh soaring over the White House grounds.

This photograph of White House Executive Pastry Chef Susan "Susie" E. Morrison with the White House Gingerbread House was taken by David Wiegold on November 27, 2023 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" as the 2023 holiday theme. The decor was inspired by children and how they embrace and revel in the holiday season. The 2023 White House Gingerbread House, on display in the State Dining Room, commemorated the 200th anniversary of the publication of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The display featured a sugar cookie replica of the book and Santa’s sleigh soaring over the White House grounds.

This photograph of White House Executive Pastry Chef Susan "Susie" E. Morrison with the White House Gingerbread House was taken by David Wiegold on November 27, 2023 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" as the 2023 holiday theme. The decor was inspired by children and how they embrace and revel in the holiday season. The 2023 White House Gingerbread House, on display in the State Dining Room, commemorated the 200th anniversary of the publication of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The display featured a sugar cookie replica of the book and Santa’s sleigh soaring over the White House grounds.

This photograph of White House Executive Pastry Chef Susan "Susie" E. Morrison with the White House Gingerbread House was taken by David Wiegold on November 27, 2023 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" as the 2023 holiday theme. The decor was inspired by children and how they embrace and revel in the holiday season. The 2023 White House Gingerbread House, on display in the State Dining Room, commemorated the 200th anniversary of the publication of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The display featured a sugar cookie replica of the book and Santa’s sleigh soaring over the White House grounds.

This photograph of White House Executive Pastry Chef Susan "Susie" E. Morrison with the White House Gingerbread House was taken by David Wiegold on November 27, 2023 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden selected "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" as the 2023 holiday theme. The decor was inspired by children and how they embrace and revel in the holiday season. The 2023 White House Gingerbread House, on display in the State Dining Room, commemorated the 200th anniversary of the publication of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The display featured a sugar cookie replica of the book and Santa’s sleigh soaring over the White House grounds.

This photograph, taken in March 1975 by Bruce Dale, shows deputy assistant to the president Richard B. Cheney (left) and chief of staff Donald Rumsfeld (right) walking along the West Colonnade. In November 1975, Cheney would replace Rumsfeld as President Gerald R. Ford's chief of staff, while Rumsfeld moved on to the position of secretary of defense. Both Cheney and Rumsfeld held positions during the administrations of President Richard M. Nixon, Ford, and George H. W. Bush. Later, Cheney would serve as Vice President of the United States while Rumsfeld would again serve as secretary of defense for President George W. Bush.

In this photograph, taken March 6, 1975 by Bruce Dale, actor Robert Redford meets with President Gerald R. Ford and his daughter, Susan, in the Oval Office. Redford starred in popular films including "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969), "The Sting" (1973), and "All the President's Men" (1976). Press secretary Ron Nessen joined the meeting, while chief official White House photographer David Hume Kennerly documented the event.

In this photograph, taken March 6, 1975 by Bruce Dale, President Gerald R. Ford meets with a group of United States Senators and advisors to discuss aid to Cambodia. Present at the meeting were 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. In this photograph, chief official White House photographer David Hume Kennerly can be seen snapping photographs in the background.

In this photograph, taken March 6, 1975 by Bruce Dale, President Gerald R. Ford meets with a group of United States Senators and advisors to discuss aid to Cambodia. Present at the meeting were 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. In this photograph, chief official White House photographer David Hume Kennerly snaps photographs from behind those seated for the meeting.

In this photograph, taken on March 6, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford holds a meeting in the Oval Office with Vice President Nelson A. Rockefeller, cabinet members, and advisors. Joining Ford and Rockefeller at the meeting were James T. Lynn, director of the Office of Management and Budget; Secretary of Agriculture Earl L. Butz; Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Caspar W. Weinberger; James M. Cannon III, executive director of the Domestic Council; and deputy assistant Richard B. Cheney. Cheney would go on to serve as Vice President of the United States during the George W. Bush administration.

This photograph of White House Chief Usher Robert B. Downing at the arrival of the 2022 Official White House Christmas tree was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on November 21, 2022 on the North Drive of the White House. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the 18.5-foot Concolor Fir from Auburn, Pennsylvania alongside her grandson, Beau Biden, Jr. The tree was presented by Paul and Pam Shealer, the 2022 National Christmas Tree Association's (NCTA) champion growers, and cultivated at the Shealers' Evergreen Acres Tree Farm in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The tree was delivered by horse-drawn carriage and carefully escorted to the Blue Room, where it remained on display for the holiday season. 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.

This photograph of White House Executive Pastry Chef Susan "Susie" E. Morrison posing by the White House Gingerbread House in the State Dining Room Room was taken by David Wiegold on November 29, 2021 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. Constructed by the White House pastry team from baked gingerbread, pastillage, chocolate, and royal icing, the display featured eight community buildings representing the essential workplaces of frontline employees. For their first year in the White House, President Joseph R. Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden chose the theme, "Gifts from the Heart." The theme was meant to honor the things we cherish and bring us together despite the obstacles posed by a pandemic, time, and distance.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel in December 1969, an unidentified butler prepares a breakfast buffet of pastries, coffee, and orange juice in the Blue Room. 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.

This photograph is of a White House doorman, Preston Bruce, standing near a mantel in the East Room of the White House. As part of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy's restoration of White House rooms, the mantels were repainted to resemble white marble. The image was taken on August 14, 1961, by a National Geographic staff photographer for the White Historical Association's 1962 publication of "The White House: A Historic Guide". The publication serves as a companion book for tours of the White House, providing a history of the rooms, architecture, and furniture.

This photograph of White House curator William G. Allman in the State Dining Room was taken by Matthew D’Agostino on April 27, 2015, during the Barack Obama administration. At a press preview ahead of the State Dinner held in honor of Prime Minister Shinzō Abe of Japan, Allman discussed the Obama’s recently revealed state china service. The Japan State Dinner would be the first official occasion where the Obama state service was used. The service included 11 pieces per setting and was designed with a modern aesthetic that was compatible and interchangeable with other historic services in the White House Collection. In a nod toward President Obama’s upbringing in Hawaii, several pieces in the service are complimented with bands of “Kailua blue”. Allman served as curator from 2002-2017.

In this photograph, taken July 30, 1982 by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey, First Lady Nancy Reagan samples dishes prepared by pastry chef Roland Mesnier (left), White House Executive Chef Henry Haller (center), and chef Frank Ruta. As first lady, Mrs. Reagan often consulted with chefs before special events, offering suggestions for imaginative desserts such as the spun-sugar elephant and swan creations on the table.