• Gerald R. Ford Sworn in as President
    Charles Moore
    East Room
    State Floor
    inaugurations
    This photograph is of Gerald R. Ford being sworn in as the 38th president of the United States by Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren E. Burger in the White House East Room on August 9, 1974. Ford had been confirmed as vice president in 1973 following Vice President Spiro T. Agnew's resignation. Ford would ascend to the presidency after President Richard M. Nixon resigned from office in the wake of the Watergate scandal.
  • President and Mrs. Carter at 1977 Inaugural Ball
    Jack E. Kightlinger
    inaugurations
    This photograph by Jack E. Kightlinger shows President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter holding hands on stage at their inaugural ball. The ball was held on January 20, 1977, as part of the festivities following President Carter's inauguration.
  • President and Mrs. Kennedy Arrive at Inaugural Ball
    Abbie Rowe
    inaugurations
    In this photograph by Abbie Rowe taken on January 20, 1961, newly-inaugurated President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy arrive at the National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C. for the Inaugural Ball. Earlier in the day, President Kennedy was sworn in at the 35th President of the United States. Mrs. Kennedy wore a sleeveless, off-white gown with a silk sheer top covering a strapless bodice encrusted with “brilliants” and embroidered with silver thread by Ethel Frankau. Mrs. Kennedy collaborated with Frankau in the creation of the gown by offering suggestions on the sketches. Mrs. Kennedy’s look was finished off with a matching cape that closed at the neck and elbow-length gloves.
  • 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.
  • The Clintons Walk in the Inauguration Parade
    Unknown
    inaugurations
    Washington, D.C.
    In this photograph, newly sworn-in President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton walk in the Inauguration Parade during festivities for his first inauguration on January 20, 1993. President and Mrs. Clinton walked down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the White House for this portion of the parade, which followed an inauguration ceremony at the United States Capitol.
  • Vice President and Mrs. Bush Celebrate Presidential Victory
    Unknown
    inaugurations
    U.S. Naval Observatory
    Washington, D.C.
    In this photograph, taken on November 9, 1988, Vice President George H. W. Bush and Second Lady Barbara Bush celebrate the vice president's presidential campaign victory on the day after the 1988 election. The new president-elect, Mrs. Bush, and members of their staff stand outside the vice president's residence at the United States Naval Observatory, behind a banner that reads "Temporary Home of the 41st President of the United States." George H. W. Bush served as vice president to President Ronald Reagan from 1981-1989, and served as president of the United States from 1989-1993.
  • President and Mrs. Reagan Dance at Inaugural Ball
    Unknown
    inaugurations
    In this photograph taken on January 21, 1985, President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan dance at the Inaugural Ball held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The ball followed President Reagan’s swearing in for his second term earlier in the day.
  • President and Mrs. Reagan Dance at Inaugural Ball
    Unknown
    inaugurations
    In this photograph taken on January 21, 1985, President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan dance at the Inaugural Ball held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The ball followed President Reagan’s swearing in for his second term earlier in the day.
  • President and Mrs. Obama Dance at Inaugural Ball
    Pete Souza
    inaugurations
    In this photograph by Pete Souza, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance during the Inaugural Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C, on January 21, 2013. The ball followed President Obama’s swearing in for his second term earlier in the day.
  • President and Mrs. Trump Dance at Inaugural Ball
    Grant Miller
    inaugurations
    In this photograph taken by Grant Miller, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump share their first dance as President and First Lady at the Liberty Inaugural Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2017.
  • President and Mrs. Clinton Dance at Inaugural Ball
    Unknown
    inaugurations
    In this photograph taken on January 20, 1993, President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hilary Rodham Clinton dance at one of their inaugural balls. The ball followed President Clinton’s first inauguration and swearing in earlier in the day.
  • President Carter Delivers Inaugural Address
    Bernard Gotfryd
    inaugurations
    U.S. Capitol
    Washington, D.C.
    In this photograph, newly sworn-in President Jimmy Carter delivers his inaugural address from the east portico of the United States Capitol. President Carter’s running mate, Vice President Walter F. Mondale, can be seen at right. This photograph was taken by Bernard Gotfryd on January 20, 1977.
  • President Carter Takes the Oath of Office
    Bernard Gotfryd
    inaugurations
    U.S. Capitol
    Justices
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph of Chief Justice Warren E. Burger of the Supreme Court administering the Oath of Office to Jimmy Carter from the east portico of United States Capitol was taken by Bernard Gotfryd on January 20, 1977. Next to the two stands First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
  • Inauguration Ceremony for President Bill Clinton
    Unknown
    inaugurations
    U.S. Capitol
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph shows the first inauguration ceremony of President Bill Clinton during his Oath of Office. Chief Justice William Rehnquist of the Supreme Court administered the Oath of Office to Clinton from the west front of the United States Capitol on January 20, 1993.
  • President Carter Takes the Oath of Office
    Library of Congress
    inaugurations
    U.S. Capitol
    Washington, D.C.
    Justices
    This photograph of Chief Justice Warren E. Burger of the Supreme Court administering the Oath of Office to Jimmy Carter on the east portico of United States Capitol was taken on January 20, 1977. Surround the two are First Lady Rosalynn Carter, outgoing President Gerald F. Ford, and newly sworn-in Vice President Walter F. Mondale.
  • President Reagan Takes the Oath of Office
    Unknown
    inaugurations
    U.S. Capitol
    Washington, D.C.
    Justices
    This photograph of President Ronald Reagan being sworn-in by Chief Justice Warren E. Burger of the Supreme Court was taken on January 20, 1981. President Reagan was sworn-in on a bible held by his wife, First Lady Nancy Reagan, for his inauguration ceremony. Reagan's inauguration was the first held from the west front of the United States Capitol. Among the attendees to the ceremony were President George H. W. Bush and Second Lady Barbara Bush and the outgoing administration of President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter F. Mondale.
  • President Clinton Takes the Oath of Office
    Unknown
    inaugurations
    U.S. Capitol
    Justices
    Washington, D.C.
    In this photograph, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist administers the Oath of Office to President Bill Clinton from the west front of the United States Capitol on January 20, 1993. The ceremony marked President Clinton’s first inauguration. Behind President Clinton is newly sworn-in Vice President Al Gore.
  • President Obama and Vice President Biden at the 2013 Inauguration
    Chuck Kennedy
    inaugurations
    U.S. Capitol
    Justices
    Washington, D.C.
    In this photograph by Chuck Kennedy, President Barack Obama talks with Vice President Joe Biden during the inaugural swearing-in ceremony at the United States. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on January 21, 2013. The day marked their second inauguration. President Obama's daughters, Sasha and Malia, and Vice President Biden's wife, Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden are behind them. Pictured to the right are members of the Supreme Court including Chief Justice John G. Roberts and associate justices Sonia Sotomayor and Antonin Scalia.
  • President Clinton Takes the Oath of Office
    Unknown
    inaugurations
    U.S. Capitol
    Washington, D.C.
    Justices
    In this photograph, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist of the Supreme Court administers the Oath of Office to President Bill Clinton from the west front of the United States Capitol on January 20, 1997. This was President Clinton’s second inauguration. Standing next to the two are First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and the Clintons’ daughter, Chelsea. Vice President Al Gore can be seen observing the ceremony behind the Clinton family.
  • President Clinton Takes the Oath of Office
    Unknown
    inaugurations
    U.S. Capitol
    Washington, D.C.
    Justices
    In this photograph, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist of the Supreme Court administers the Oath of Office to Bill Clinton from the west front of the United States Capitol on January 20, 1993. The 1993 ceremonies marked President Clinton’s first inauguration. Standing next to the two are First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and the Clintons’ daughter, Chelsea.
  • The Bushes Walk in the Inauguration Parade
    Unknown
    inaugurations
    Washington, D.C.
    In this photography, newly sworn-in President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush walk down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the White House during the Inauguration Parade on January 20, 1989. The parade followed the Oath of Office and inaugural ceremonies at the United States Capitol.
  • President Carter Takes the Oath of Office
    Bernard Godfryd
    inaugurations
    U.S. Capitol
    Justices
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph of Chief Justice Warren E. Burger of the Supreme Court administering the Oath of Office to Jimmy Carter on the east portico of United States Capitol was taken by Bernard Gotfryd on January 20, 1977. Next to them stands First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Among those in the crowd were outgoing President Gerald R. Ford, former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, newly sworn-in Vice President Walter F. Mondale, and the Carters’ youngest child, daughter Amy.
  • President Bush Takes the Oath of Office
    Unknown
    inaugurations
    U.S. Capitol
    Justices
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph is of President George H. W. Bush taking the Oath of Office on January 20, 1989. The Oath of Office was administered by Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist of the Supreme Court. Standing next to the two is First Lady Barabara Bush. Recently sworn-in Vice President Dan Quayle is also visible behind Mrs. Bush.
  • President Reagan Takes the Oath of Office
    Unknown
    inaugurations
    Washington, D.C.
    U.S. Capitol
    Justices
    This photograph of President Ronald Reagan taking the Oath of Office at the United States Capitol was taken on January 20, 1981. Chief Justice Warren E. Burger of the Supreme Court administered the Oath of Office. Reagan's inauguration was the first held on the west front of the United States Capitol. Among the witnesses to the ceremony were First Lady Nancy Reagan, Vice President George H. W. Bush, and Second Lady Barbara Bush.
  • Obama Family Portrait in the Blue Room
    Pete Souza
    inaugurations
    First Family
    Blue Room
    State Floor
    In this photograph taken by Pete Souza, President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Sasha and Malia, center, pose with extended family in the Blue Room of the White House on January 20, 2013 following his swearing-in by Chief John G. Roberts, Jr. of the Supreme Court. With Inauguration Day falling on a Sunday, President Obama and Chief Justice Roberts followed tradition, with the administering of the Oath of Office formally on January 20 and a public ceremony the next day at the United States Capitol. Joining the first family from left are: Craig Robinson, Leslie Robinson, Avery Robinson, Marian Robinson, Akinyi Manners, Auma Obama, Maya Soetoro-Ng, Konrad Ng, Savita Ng, and Suhaila Ng.