• Washington, D.C. Skyline at the 2022 Tree Lighting
    Matthew D'Agostino
    Ellipse
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph of the Washington, D.C. skyline was taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association on November 30, 2022 at the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and concert. A flock of birds is captured in this photograph with the roof of a building, likely DAR Constitution Hall, in the foreground. The 2022 tree lighting took place on The Ellipse and was the second presided over by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. They were joined in the festive celebration by host LL Cool J and performances by Shania Twain, Yolanda Adams, The Estefans, Andy Grammer, Ariana DeBose, Joss Stone, and the United States Marine Band.
  • Washington Monument at the 2022 Tree Lighting
    Matthew D'Agostino
    Ellipse
    Washington Monument
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph of the Washington Monument was taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association on November 30, 2022 at the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and concert. The 2022 tree lighting took place on The Ellipse and was the second presided over by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. They were joined in the festive celebration by host LL Cool J and performances by Shania Twain, Yolanda Adams, The Estefans, Andy Grammer, Ariana DeBose, Joss Stone, and the United States Marine Band.
  • President Obama at the Dubliner Irish Pub
    Pete Souza
    St. Patrick's Day
    Washington, D.C.
    This White House photograph of President Barack Obama at the Dubliner Irish pub in Washington, D.C. was taken by Pete Souza on March 17, 2012. President Obama visited the Dubliner on St. Patrick's Day with his Irish cousin, Henry Healy (center), and Ollie Hayes, a pub owner from Moneygall, Ireland (right).
  • President Reagan Delivers a Toast at the St. Patrick's Day Luncheon
    Michael Evans
    St. Patrick's Day
    Congress
    U.S. Capitol
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph of President Ronald Reagan delivering a toast at a St. Patrick's Day luncheon at the United States Capitol was taken by Michael Evans on March 17, 1988. Also pictured are Representative Jim Wright, diplomat Padraic MacKernan, and Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
  • President Obama Delivers a St. Patrick's Day Toast at the Capitol
    Pete Souza
    St. Patrick's Day
    head of state
    Washington, D.C.
    Congress
    speeches
    U.S. Capitol
    This White House photograph of President Barack Obama delivering a toast during a St. Patrick's Day luncheon at the United States Capitol was taken by Pete Souza on March 17, 2015. President Obama is pictured alongside Taoiseach Enda Kenny of Ireland, also known as the prime minister.
  • President Obama Visits the Dubliner Pub
    Pete Souza
    St. Patrick's Day
    Washington, D.C.
    This White House photograph of President Barack Obama at the Dubliner, an Irish pub in Washington, D.C., was taken by Pete Souza on March 17, 2012. President Obama is shown greeting the crowds on St. Patrick's Day.
  • President Obama at Lunch with Speaker Pelosi and Taoiseach of Ireland
    Pete Souza
    head of state
    Washington, D.C.
    U.S. Capitol
    St. Patrick's Day
    Congress
    In this photograph by Pete Souza, President Barack Obama has lunch with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Taoiseach Brian Cowen of Ireland on March 17, 2009. President Obama and Cowen, the prime minister of Ireland, attended a St. Patrick's Day lunch hosted by Speaker Pelosi in the Rayburn House Office Building of the United States Capitol complex.
  • President Obama Leaves St. Patrick's Day Lunch at the Capitol
    Lawrence Jackson
    head of state
    Washington, D.C.
    U.S. Capitol
    St. Patrick's Day
    Congress
    In this photograph by Lawrence Jackson, President Barack Obama departs the United States Capitol on March 17, 2015. President Obama attended a St. Patrick's Day lunch at the Capitol alongside Taoiseach Enda Kenny of Ireland, right. Accompanying Obama and Kenny were Representative Peter King, left, and Speaker of the House John Boehner, second from the left. Kenny served as taoiseach, or prime minister, from 2011 to 2017.
  • St. Patrick's Day Luncheon at the U.S. Capitol
    Michael Evans
    Washington, D.C.
    U.S. Capitol Building
    St. Patrick's Day
    Congress
    In this photograph, President Ronald Reagan attends a luncheon in honor of St. Patrick's Day hosted by Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill at the United States Capitol. Also pictured are House Minority Leader Robert H. Michel and Representative Edward P. Boland. Michael Evans photographed this lunch on March 17, 1983.
  • Capture of the City of Washington
    J. & J. Cundee
    War of 1812
    Washington, D.C.
    engraving
    military
    This engraving of the capture of Washington, D.C. during the War of 1812 was created by London printers J and J Cundee in 1815 and used as an illustration in an edition of Paul Rapin's multi-volume "History of England." British troops entered and burned the capital, including the White House, on August 24, 1814. Though British forces occupied the city for only a short time, they inflicted serious damage. President James Madison escaped the White House before the attack, but finished out his second term in the nearby Octagon House and a row house in "Six Buildings" complex on Pennsylvania while the White House was rebuilt.
  • Washington Monument at the 2022 Tree Lighting
    Matthew D'Agostino
    Ellipse
    Washington Monument
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph of the Washington Monument was taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association on November 30, 2022 at the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and concert. The 2022 tree lighting took place on The Ellipse and was the second presided over by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. They were joined in the festive celebration by host LL Cool J and performances by Shania Twain, Yolanda Adams, The Estefans, Andy Grammer, Ariana DeBose, Joss Stone, and the United States Marine Band.
  • 2022 National Christmas Tree Lighting
    Matthew D'Agostino
    winter holidays
    Ellipse
    Christmas Tree Lighting
    Christmas
    Washington Monument
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph of a Jumbotron and the Washington Monument was taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association on November 30, 2022 at the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and concert. The 2022 tree lighting took place on The Ellipse and was the second presided over by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. They were joined in the festive celebration by host LL Cool J and performances by Shania Twain, Yolanda Adams, The Estefans, Andy Grammer, Ariana DeBose, Joss Stone, and the United States Marine Band.
  • Washington Monument at the 2022 Tree Lighting
    Matthew D'Agostino
    Ellipse
    Washington Monument
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph of the Washington Monument was taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association on November 30, 2022 at the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and concert. The 2022 tree lighting took place on The Ellipse and was the second presided over by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. They were joined in the festive celebration by host LL Cool J and performances by Shania Twain, Yolanda Adams, The Estefans, Andy Grammer, Ariana DeBose, Joss Stone, and the United States Marine Band.
  • Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Reagan Administration
    Bill Fitz-Patrick
    Eisenhower Executive Office Building
    Washington, D.C.
    This aerial photo of the exterior of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office building was taken by Bill Fitz-Patrick on June 23, 1981. During the Ronald Reagan presidency, the building was known as the Old Executive Office Building but was renamed the Eisenhower Executive Office Building 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 majestic 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.
  • Bridal Shower for Tricia Nixon
    Robert L. Knudsen
    Karl Schumacher
    wedding
    Washington, D.C.
    First Family
    In this photograph, Tricia Nixon unwraps presents during a bridal shower that was held in her honor by Second Lady Judy Agnew on June 1, 1971. Seated near Tricia Nixon are, from left to right: her sister Julie Nixon Eisenhower (on floor), former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, and First Lady Pat Nixon, Tricia's mother. Tricia Nixon married Edward Cox, a law student at the time, in a Rose Garden ceremony on June 12, 1971.
  • Bridal Shower for Tricia Nixon
    Robert L. Knudsen
    Karl Schumacher
    wedding
    Washington, D.C.
    First Family
    In this photograph, Tricia Nixon unwraps presents during a bridal shower that was held in her honor by Second Lady Judy Agnew on June 1, 1971. Seated near Tricia Nixon (in white at right) are, from left to right: her sister Julie Nixon Eisenhower (on floor), former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, and First Lady Pat Nixon, Tricia's mother. Tricia Nixon married Edward Cox, a law student at the time, in a Rose Garden ceremony on June 12, 1971.
  • Tricia Nixon and Edward Cox with Guests at Wedding Rehersal Luncheon
    Robert L. Knudsen
    wedding
    First Family
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph of Tricia Nixon and fiancé Ed Cox laughing with guests at a wedding rehearsal luncheon in the Sulgrave Club was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on June 11, 1971. The Sulgrave Club is a private women's club located in Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. The clubhouse is the former Beaux-Arts mansion on Embassy Row built for Herbert and Martha Blow Wadsworth and designed by noted architect George Cary.
  • Kennedy Family at the Gala Opening for the Kennedy Center
    Warren K. Leffler
    Thomas J. O'Halloran
    presidential sites & libraries
    Washington, D.C.
    John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
    arts & culture
    This photograph by Warren K. Leffler and Thomas J. O'Halloran was taken at the gala opening for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on September 8, 1971. The photograph captures members of the Kennedy family including --President Kennedy's mother, Rose, and younger brother, Edward M. Kennedy -- in attendance in the Opera House presidential box.
  • President and Mrs. Obama at the 2009 Kennedy Center Honors
    Lawrence Jackson
    presidential sites & libraries
    arts & culture
    Washington, D.C.
    John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
    merits & awards
    In this photograph by Lawrence Jackson, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama stand for the national anthem at the beginning of the Kennedy Center Honors on December 6, 2009. President and Mrs. Obama were in the presidential box in the Opera House at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and were flanked by Vice President Joseph R. Biden and the 2009 honorees, (from left to right) Dave Brubeck, Robert De Niro, Grace Bumbry, Mel Brooks, and Bruce Springsteen. This was the first Kennedy Center Honors hosted by President and Mrs. Obama.
  • John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
    Carol M. Highsmith
    presidential sites & libraries
    Washington, D.C.
    John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
    arts & culture
    This photograph of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was taken by Carol M. Highsmith. Commonly known as the Kennedy Center, the complex features three main theaters, several smaller performance venues, and both river and rooftop terraces. The Kennedy Center, which opened on September 8, 1971, is located along the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. and serves as the United States National Cultural Center.
  • John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
    Carol M. Highsmith
    presidential sites & libraries
    Washington, D.C.
    John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
    arts & culture
    This photograph of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was taken by Carol M. Highsmith. Commonly known as the Kennedy Center, the complex features three main theaters, several smaller performance venues, and both river and rooftop terraces. The Kennedy Center, which opened on September 8, 1971, is located along the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. and serves as the United States National Cultural Center.
  • Inaugural Ball for the Second Inauguration of President Lyndon B. Johnson
    Yoichi R. Okamoto
    inaugurations
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph of an inaugural ball for President Lyndon B. Johnson was taken by Yoichi R. Okamoto on January 20, 1965. Following President Johnson's second inauguration, inaugural balls were held at the National Guard Armory and four Washington, D.C. hotels: the Mayflower, Sheraton-Park, Shoreham, and Statler-Hilton. Pictured here from left to right: Luci Baines Johnson (wearing a pink gown), First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, President Lyndon B. Johnson, Lynda Bird Johnson, Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, Muriel Humphrey.
  • Presidential Turkeys at the Willard Hotel
    Andrea Hanks
    Washington, D.C.
    Thanksgiving
    Turkey Pardon
    This photograph, taken by Andrea Hanks on November 24, 2019, shows a turkey enjoying its stay in a guest room at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. Turkeys Bread and Butter arrived at the luxury hotel in advance of the Turkey Pardon ceremony at the White House two days later. Butter was selected to receive a pardon from President Donald Trump in the Rose Garden ceremony following a national contest. After the ceremony, the pair of turkeys were transferred to 'Gobblers Rest' reserve in Blacksburg, Virginia to be cared for by veterinarians and students of Virginia Tech's Animal and Poultry Sciences Department. Presidents and their families have received turkeys for the holidays as far back as the 1870s. However, the origin of the turkey pardon is said to have started with President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, after he offered clemency to a turkey purchased for Christmas dinner at his son's request. The pardoning of a Thanksgiving turkey became a formalized tradition during the Ronald Reagan administration.
  • United States Indian Band Performs for Vice President Curtis
    National Photo Company
    music
    U.S. Capitol
    American Indians
    Washington, D.C.
    In this photograph, taken on April 26, 1929, musicians from the United States Indian Band perform for Vice President Charles Curtis on the steps of the United States Capitol Building. The band, which included representatives from 13 tribal nations, visited the Capitol to pay their respects to Curtis and Senator William Bliss Pine of Oklahoma. Born in Kansas to a white father and Native American mother, and raised by his maternal grandparents, Curtis was the first person of Native American descent as well as the first person of color to serve as vice president. He served as vice president to President Herbert Hoover.
  • United States Indian Band Performs for Vice President Curtis
    National Photo Company
    music
    U.S. Capitol
    American Indians
    Washington, D.C.
    In this photograph, taken on April 26, 1929, musicians from the United States Indian Band perform for Vice President Charles Curtis on the steps of the United States Capitol Building. The band, which included representatives from 13 tribal nations, visited the Capitol to pay their respects to Curtis and Oklahoma Senator William Bliss Pine. Born in Kansas to a white father and Native American mother, and raised by his maternal grandparents, Curtis was the first person of Native American descent as well as the first person of color to serve as vice president. He served as vice president for President Herbert Hoover.