• 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.
  • Lincoln Bedroom, Ford Administration
    Larry D. Kinney
    Second Floor
    Lincoln Bedroom
    This photograph of the Lincoln Bedroom was taken in August 1976 by Larry D. Kinney during the administration of Gerald R. Ford. Located on the Second Floor of the White House, in modern times the Lincoln Bedroom is used for official and personal guests of the president’s family. In the past, it served as an office and the Cabinet Room. The room became a bedroom in the family quarters during the 1902 Theodore Roosevelt renovation. The high-back bed, known as the Lincoln Bed, was purchased for the White House by First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. While it was purchased during the Lincoln administration, the bed was probably never used by President Abraham Lincoln, nor was it originally placed in this room. Repurposed during the administration of President Harry S. Truman, the room features furniture, artwork, and refurbishing reminiscent of the 1860s. In 2005, the room underwent refurbishing under the direction of First Lady Laura Bush, enhancing the historical accuracy of the room.
  • Lincoln Bedroom, Ford Administration
    Larry D. Kinney
    Second Floor
    Lincoln Bedroom
    This photograph of the Lincoln Bedroom was taken in August 1976 by Larry D. Kinney during the administration of Gerald R. Ford. Located on the Second Floor of the White House, in modern times the Lincoln Bedroom is used for official and personal guests of the president’s family. In the past, it served as an office and the Cabinet Room. The room became a bedroom in the family quarters during the 1902 Theodore Roosevelt renovation. The high-back bed, known as the Lincoln Bed, was purchased for the White House by First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. While it was purchased during the Lincoln administration, the bed was probably never used by President Abraham Lincoln, nor was it originally placed in this room. Repurposed during the administration of President Harry S. Truman, the room features furniture, artwork, and refurbishing reminiscent of the 1860s. In 2005, the room underwent refurbishing under the direction of First Lady Laura Bush, enhancing the historical accuracy of the room.
  • Green Room, Ford Administration
    Larry D. Kinney
    Green Room
    State Floor
    This photograph of the Green Room was taken in February 1975 by Larry D. Kinney during the administration of Gerald R. Ford. The Green Room is located on the State Floor of the Executive Mansion. It was the first room named after the color of its textiles and has Federal style furnishings. The elegant but relaxed parlor is used for small gatherings, interviews, and teas.
  • East Landing, Biden Administration
    David Wiegold
    East Landing
    East Wing
    This photograph of the East Landing was taken by David Wiegold on November 27, 2023 during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations. The East Landing is located in the East Wing of the White House and is among the first sights visitors encounter on a public tour of the White House. The surrounding windows provide views into the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, also known as the East Garden, and lead to the East Colonnade.
  • Table Setting in the State Dining Room, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Unknown
    place settings
    State Floor
    State Dining Room
    This photograph features table settings for an event in the State Dining Room during the John F. Kennedy administration. 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.
  • Table Setting in the State Dining Room, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    George F. Mobley
    Bates Littlehales
    State Floor
    State Dining Room
    place settings
    This photograph taken February 1962, during the John F. Kennedy administration, shows a table setting for a lunch or small dinner in the State Dining Room. The centerpieces were ordered by President James Monroe in 1817. This image was featured in the first edition of the White House guidebook. 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.
  • Table Setting in the Family Dining Room, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    George F. Mobley
    Bates Littlehales
    State Floor
    Family Dining Room
    This photograph taken in May 1962, during the John F. Kennedy administration, shows the Family Dining Room furnished with American pieces of the Federal period. The portrait on the right sideboard is of President John Tyler by G. P. A. Healy. This image was featured in the first edition of the White House guidebook. 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.
  • President's Dining Room, Kennedy Administration, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    George F. Mobley
    President's Dining Room
    Second Floor
    This photograph of the President's Dining Room was likely taken during the John F. Kennedy administration. The President’s Dining Room is located on the Second Floor of the White House. Originally a bedroom, the space was converted to a private dining room, where the first family usually gathers for breakfast and lunch. The room also features a panoramic wallpaper entitled "Views of the American War of Independence" by Jean Zuber et Cie which features events from the American Revolution against the backdrop of natural landmarks. 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.
  • Ida McKinley's Second Floor Bedroom, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Frances Benjamin Johnston
    Second Floor
    Bedroom
    President's Dining Room
    This photograph of First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley's bedroom was taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston circa 1897 to 1901. The bedroom, possibly the Prince of Wales Bedroom, was located on the Second Floor of the Executive Mansion. The Prince of Wales Bedroom now serves as the President's Dining Room. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. The original photograph can be found at the Library of Congress. 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.
  • White House Corridor (Entrance Hall), Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Frances Benjamin Johnston
    Entrance Hall
    State Floor
    This circa 1889 black and white photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston depicts the Entrance Hall of the White House, including a glass screen created by Louis Comfort Tiffany. In 1882, Tiffany created this glass screen to separate the Entrance Hall from the Cross Hall. The glass screen featured topaz, ruby, and amethyst jewels set into the glass alongside four eagles and a shield with the initials "US." The glass screen was removed during the Theodore Roosevelt renovation, and portions of it were auctioned off in 1903. No known surviving example of the glass exists after the glass was destroyed in a fire in 1923. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. The original photograph can be found at the Library of Congress. 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.
  • Green Room circa 1881, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Frances Benjamin Johnston
    State Floor
    Green Room
    This 1881 black and white photograph of the Green Room by Frances Benjamin Johnston was likely captured after it was redecorated by W.B. Moses and Co. for First Lady Lucretia Garfield. The redecorating was completed after the death of President James A. Garfield. The Green Room is located on the State Floor of the White House This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. The original photograph can be found at the Library of Congress. 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.
  • Second Floor Bedroom, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Frances Benjamin Johnston
    Bedroom
    Second Floor
    This photograph of a Second Floor bedroom in the White House was taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston circa 1893. The caption on the photograph states the bedroom was located in the southwest corner of the Executive Mansion. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. The original photograph can be found at the Library of Congress. 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.
  • Sofa Table in the Red Room, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Unknown
    furniture
    furnishings
    White House Collection
    State Floor
    Red Room
    tables
    This photograph of a sofa table in the Red Room was likely taken during the John F. Kennedy administration. The mahogany table has gilded winged caryatids and verde antique feet that display elements from the ancient world, which were popular in New York during the period this was likely made, circa 1815 to 1820. Sofa tables like this one were placed before sofas and used for drawing or writing and were seldom made in America. This table became part of the White House Collection in 1961 and is inspired after the work of Charles Honoré Lannuier. 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.
  • Lincoln Bedroom, Kennedy Administration, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Bates Littlehales
    Lincoln Bedroom
    Second Floor
    This photograph shows the Lincoln Bedroom during the John F. Kennedy administration. Located on the Second Floor of the White House, in modern times the Lincoln Bedroom is used for official and personal guests of the president's family. In the past, it served as an office and the Cabinet Room. The room became a bedroom in the family quarters during the 1902 Theodore Roosevelt renovation. The high-back bed, known as the Lincoln Bed, was purchased by First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. While it was purchased during the Lincoln administration, the bed was probably never used by President Abraham Lincoln, nor was it originally placed in this room. Repurposed during the administration of President Harry S. Truman, the room features furniture, artwork, and refurbishing reminiscent of the 1860s. 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.
  • East Room, Kennedy Administration, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Unknown
    State Floor
    East Room
    This photograph of the East Room was taken during the John F. Kennedy administration. The East Room is located on the State Floor of the Executive Mansion. The room is the largest room in the White House and is often used as a ceremonial space. The room is painted white and has 18th-century French and English-inspired ornate walls and ceilings. To make way for temporary furniture for ceremonies and other events, the East Room is usually sparsely furnished. 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.
  • Jackson Portrait in Situ, Lincoln Bedroom, Lorraine Waxman Pearce
    Unknown
    Lincoln Bedroom
    Second Floor
    This photograph shows a portrait of President Andrew Jackson hanging in the Lincoln Bedroom. It was likely taken during the John F. Kennedy administration. The portrait of Jackson was painted by Miner Kilbourne Kellogg circa 1840. Kellogg also painted portraits of presidents James K. Polk and Martin Van Buren. The two chairs were also likely used by President Lincoln in this room, when it was known as the Cabinet Room. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room Photograph, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Unknown
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    Ground Floor
    This is a photograph of Robert L. Knudsen's photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room pinned to a display board. The original photograph was taken by Knudsen in 1960 during the Dwight D. Eisenhower administration. Located on the Ground Floor of the White House, the bright and colorful Diplomatic Reception Room was originally used as the servants' hall before becoming the furnace room in 1837. During the 1902 Theodore Roosevelt renovation, the room was remodeled as the formal entrance into the White House for visiting dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps. President Franklin D. Roosevelt used the room to deliver many of his intimate "Fireside Chats" to Americans during the Great Depression and World War II. The distinct scenic wallpaper was chosen under the direction of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961. 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.
  • Treaty Room, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Frances Benjamin Johnston
    Treaty Room
    Second Floor
    This photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston is of the Treaty Room circa 1889. The Treaty Room is located on the Second Floor of the White House and is used as the president’s private study where the commander-in-chief can analyze reports, hold private meetings, edit speeches, and host family gatherings. It is one of the most historic rooms in the house, bearing witness to the signing of the peace protocol between Spain and United States in 1898, the Limited Nuclear Test Ban between the United States and the Soviet Union in 1963, and is possibly where President James Monroe composed the Monroe Doctrine. It has also served as the Cabinet Room for various administrations including for presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, and William McKinley. This photograph is part of the Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection. The original photograph is likely at the Library of Congress. 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.
  • Pier Table in the Blue Room, Kennedy Administration
    Bates Littlehales
    tables
    furnishings
    State Floor
    Blue Room
    furniture
    This photograph by Bates Littlehales captures the Empire-style pier table in the Blue Room in March 1962, during the John F. Kennedy administration. The pier table was made around 1817 from gilded and carved beechwood by Pierre-Antoine Bellangé. Atop the table is Giuseppe Ceracchi's marble bust of President George Washington, which had been in storage until it was identified by White House Curator Lorraine Waxman Pearce as an item from the Monroe presidency. For First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy's restoration of the White House, the Blue Room was restored to the period of the Monroe presidency. The Blue Room is located on the State Floor of the Executive Mansion. The oval parlor has been known as the Blue Room since Martin Van Buren’s 1837 redecoration. The room is often used for receptions, photo opportunities, and during the holiday season is home to the official White House Christmas Tree. 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.
  • Green Room, Kennedy Administration, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Unknown
    State Floor
    Green Room
    This photograph of the Green Room fireplace was likely taken during the John F. Kennedy administration. Atop the intricately carved mantel is the Denière et Matelin gilded bronze mantel clock depticting the Carthaginian general Hannibal. On either side of the mantel are a pair of bronze-doré vases, likely purchased in 1817 during the James Monroe administration. The Green Room is located on the State Floor of the Executive Mansion. It was the first room named after the color of its textiles and has Federal style furnishings. The elegant but relaxed parlor is used for small gatherings, interviews, and teas. 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.
  • Green Room, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Unknown
    Green Room
    State Floor
    This is an undated photograph of the Green Room. The Green Room is located on the State Floor of the Executive Mansion. It was the first room named after the color of its textiles and has Federal-style furnishings. The elegant but relaxed parlor is used for small gatherings, interviews, and teas. 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.
  • Green Room, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Unknown
    Green Room
    State Floor
    This is an undated photograph of the Green Room. The Green Room is located on the State Floor of the Executive Mansion. It was the first room named after the color of its textiles and has Federal-style furnishings. The elegant but relaxed parlor is used for small gatherings, interviews, and teas. 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.
  • View of the Monuments from Blue Room Window, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    Bates Littlehales
    Blue Room
    State Floor
    South Lawn
    Washington Monument
    Jefferson Memorial
    This photograph of the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial was taken from a window in the Blue Room during the John F. Kennedy administration in March 1962. The Blue Room is located on the State Floor of the Executive Mansion. The oval parlor has been known as the Blue Room since President Martin Van Buren's 1837 redecoration. The room is often used for receptions, photo opportunities, and during the holiday season is home to the official White House Christmas Tree. The central room looks out upon the South Portico and South Lawn of the White House Grounds. 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.
  • Sideboard in the President's Dining Room, Lorraine Waxman Pearce Collection
    George F. Mobley
    President's Dining Room
    Second Floor
    This photograph is of a sideboard in the President's Dining Room decorated with pieces of silver. The mahogany sideboard has an inlaid eagle and belonged to Daniel Webster. Behind the sideboard is a scene from the panoramic wallpaper entitled "Views of the American War of Independence" by Jean Zuber et Cie which features events from the American Revolution against the backdrop of natural landmarks. George F. Mobley took this photograph in April 1962, during the John F. Kennedy administration. 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.