• Mrs. Bush Accepts Shamrocks on St. Patrick's Day
    Unknown
    presidential gifts
    South Grounds
    Rose Garden
    St. Patrick's Day
    In this photograph, First Lady Barbara Bush accepts a gift on March 17, 1992. The gift, a crystal bowl of shamrocks, was in honor of St. Patrick's Day and took place in the Rose Garden on the South Grounds of the White House.
  • President and Mrs. Obama Welcome the Bush Family to the White House
    Pete Souza
    Red Room
    State Floor
    arts & culture
    ceremonies
    dedication
    In this photograph by Pete Souza, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama host a lunch for extended members of the Bush family in the Red Room on May 31, 2012. The Bush family visited the White House that day for the unveiling ceremony of President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush's official White House portraits. The ceremony took place in the East Room. Seated clockwise from President Obama are: former First Lady Barbara Bush, Bucky Bush, Doro Bush Koch, Jenna Bush Hager, Marvin Bush, Jody Bush, former President George W. Bush, Mrs. Obama, former President George H. W. Bush, Patty Bush, Bobby Koch, Barbara Pierce Bush, Margaret Bush, Jonathan Bush, and former First Lady Laura Bush.
  • Mrs. Bush Leads a Press Preview of the 1991 Christmas Decorations
    Unknown
    winter holidays
    decorations
    State Floor
    Blue Room Christmas Tree
    Blue Room
    Christmas
    This photograph was taken on December 9, 1991 during a press preview hosted by First Lady Barbara Bush of the White House holiday decorations. That year, Mrs. Bush's holiday theme drew inspiration from the a needlepoint creche created by the Saintly Stitchers, a needlepoint group of the St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. For her holiday decorations, over 1,300 needlepoint ornaments were created for the holiday decorations with patterns designed by White House Chief Floral Designer Nancy Clarke. Here, Mrs. Bush points towards ornaments based on the classic storybook characters "Raggedy Ann" and "Raggedy Andy," which she personally stitched for the Blue Room Christmas Tree.
  • Barbara Bush with Chefs Mesnier and McCulloch
    Unknown
    State Dining Room
    State Floor
    Residence staff
    staff
    winter holidays
    decorations
    food & drink
    gingerbread
    In this photograph, taken on December 7, 1992, First Lady Barbara Bush poses with White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier and assistant pastry chef Franette McCulloch in front of the White House Gingerbread House in the State Dining Room. This was the first year Mesnier oversaw the creation of the gingerbread house. Mesnier diverted from the style of his predecessor, Hans Raffert, whose traditional A-frame gingerbread houses had been a staple of White House holiday celebrations since 1969. Instead, Mesnier and his pastry team constructed a winter village scene for the gingerbread display, complete with sledding marzipan elves.
  • The Reagans Visit the Bushes at the U.S. Naval Observatory
    Unknown
    meals
    U.S. Naval Observatory
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph was taken on February 12, 1981, during a visit by President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan to the vice president's residence at the United States Naval Observatory. Vice President George H. W. Bush and Second Lady Barbara Bush invited the president and first lady to their residence for an informal dinner. Here, President Reagan, Nancy Reagan, Vice President Bush, and Barbara Bush relax and chat in the library of the Naval Observatory.
  • The Reagans and Bushes at the U.S. Naval Observatory
    Unknown
    pets
    meals
    U.S. Naval Observatory
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph was taken on February 12, 1981, during a visit by President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan to the vice president's residence at the United States Naval Observatory. Vice President George H. W. Bush and Second Lady Barbara Bush invited the president and first lady to their residence for an informal dinner. Here, President Reagan plays with the Bushes' dog, C. Fred, while Mrs. Reagan, Vice President Bush, and Mrs. Bush look on. In 1984, Mrs. Bush wrote a book documenting her husband's career from the springer spaniel's perspective, titled "C. Fred's Story."
  • 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 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.
  • 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 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.
  • President Bush and Mrs. Bush Greet Arnold Schwarzenegger
    David Valdez
    sports
    receptions
    White House Guests
    State Floor
    Blue Room
    arts & culture
    In this photograph, taken by David Valdez on August 11, 1992, President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush greet Austrian-American actor and former bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzeneggar in the Blue Room. During the George H. W. Bush administration, Schwarzeneggar served as chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and led multiple Great American Workouts on the South Lawn. Later Schwarzeneggar began a career in politics and served as governor of California from 2003-2011. This photograph was taken during a reception at the White House for members of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Team. The athletes were invited to the White House following their return from the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. Originally planned as an outdoor picnic, due to rain the event was held across multiple rooms on the State Floor. Approximately 450 athletes attended the event, were they enjoyed a performance by Cuban-American singer-songwriter Jon Secada and feasted on hot dogs and ice cream bars.
  • President and Mrs. Bush Congratulate the 1992 U.S. Winter Olympic Team
    Unknown
    sports
    South Portico
    South Grounds
    receptions
    In this photograph, taken on April 8, 1992, President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush take part in a ceremony honoring the 1992 U.S. Winter Olympic team on the South Portico of the White House. President Bush invited the athletes to the White House to congratulate them on their accomplishments upon their return from the 1992 Winter Olympic Games in Albertville, France. At the 1992 Winter Olympics, American athletes earned 11 medals. At the time, it was the most medals earned by the United States Winter Olympic team during an Olympic Games hosted outside of the United States.
  • President and Mrs. Bush Attend First Annual Olympic Dinner
    Carol T. Powers
    sports
    Washington, D.C.
    This photograph, taken on October 1, 1991, shows President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush at the first annual Olympic Dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. The dinner was co-hosted by President Bush and the United States Olympic Committee in an effort to raise funds for athlete participation in the 1992 Olympics. The event was attended by dozens of former Olympic champions including track-and-field gold medalists Bob Beamon, Carl Lewis, and Florence Griffith-Joyner, basketball gold medalist Oscar Robertson, and boxing gold medalist George Foreman.
  • First Lady Barbara Bush Hosts National Children's Tour
    Carol T. Powers
    pets
    initiatives
    Grand Staircase
    First Family
    Entrance Hall
    Congress
    State Floor
    In this photograph, taken on October 4, 1989, First Lady Barbara Bush speaks with Representative Joseph P. Kennedy II at the landing of the Grand Staircase as guests watch from the Entrance Hall during the National Children's Tour at the White House. The Bush family's springer spaniel, Millie, stands on the staircase. During the tour, Mrs. Bush was presented with gifts from nonprofit organizations including the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics were founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968. Shriver was the sister of President John F. Kennedy and the aunt of Representative Joseph P. Kennedy II.
  • First Lady Barbara Bush Hosts National Children's Tour
    Carol T. Powers
    pets
    initiatives
    Congress
    First Family
    Grand Staircase
    State Floor
    In this photograph, taken on October 4, 1989, First Lady Barbara Bush receives a "Special Olympics" t-shirt from a young visitor during the National Children's Tour at the White House. Joining Mrs. Bush is Representative Joseph P. Kennedy II (D-Massachusetts), nephew of former President John F. Kennedy and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics. Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics in honor of her mentally handicapped sister, Rosemary Kennedy. Also pictured in this photograph seated on the landing of the Grand Staircase is the Bush family's springer spaniel, Millie.
  • President Bush Hosts Thanksgiving Luncheon
    Tina Hager
    residence
    Thanksgiving
    Texas
    Head of State
    staff
    In this photograph, taken by Tina Hager on November 24, 2004, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush host a Thanksgiving-style luncheon at the Prairie Chapel Ranch, their home near Crawford, Texas, during a visit by King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía of Spain. For the luncheon, chef Matthew Wendel prepared seasonal dishes including free-range turkey, Prairie Chapel bass, mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup and chipotle, pan-roasted vegetables with walnuts and apples, corn bread stuffing, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie. Also present at the luncheon were the president's twin daughters, Jenna and Barbara, as well as his parents, former President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush.
  • Thanksgiving Day Pumpkin Pie Cook-Off at Prairie Chapel Ranch
    Eric Draper
    residence
    food & drink
    Thanksgiving
    Texas
    First Family
    staff
    In this photograph, taken by Eric Draper on November 24, 2005, first daughters Barbara and Jenna Bush present fresh-roasted pumpkin pies as President George W. Bush looks on with approval during a Thanksgiving Day pumpkin pie cook-off at the Prairie Chapel Ranch, the Bush family home near Crawford, Texas. Jenna Bush suggested the idea of a pumpkin pie challenge to chef Matthew Wendel, a friend of the family who cooked and assisted in household maintenance at Camp David and the Prairie Chapel Ranch. Also pictured seated in this photograph is Henry Hager, Jenna Bush's boyfriend. Bush and Hager were married at the Prairie Chapel Ranch in a private ceremony on May 10, 2008.
  • Thanksgiving Dinner at the Prairie Chapel Ranch
    Eric Draper
    residence
    Thanksgiving
    Texas
    First Family
    staff
    In this photograph, taken by Eric Draper on November 24, 2005, President George W. Bush enjoys Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends at the Prairie Chapel Ranch, his residence near Crawford, Texas. Here, the president, his mother and former First Lady Barbara Bush, his daughter Jenna Bush, Jenna's boyfriend Henry Hager, and other friends and family members applaud as chef Matthew Wendel and other staff members bring out a second serving of turkey and side dishes. Thanksgiving dinner at the Prairie Chapel Ranch was served family-style, and often featured traditional dishes with a modern twist such as turkey covered with peppered bacon, sweet and spicy mashed potatoes, and corn bread dressing.
  • Chef Wendel Slices Pecan Pie for Thanksgiving at Camp David
    Unknown
    Thanksgiving
    Camp David
    food & drink
    In this photograph, chef Matthew Wendel cuts a slice of pecan pie for first daughter Barbara Bush during a Thanksgiving celebration at Camp David in 2001. Wendel became acquainted with the Bush family in 1995, while working as a waiter-caterer at the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas. After President George W. Bush was elected president in 2000, Wendel continued to prepare meals for the first family during their trips to Camp David and visits home to the Prairie Chapel Ranch near Crawford, Texas. Wendel collaborated with First Lady Laura Bush to prepare many holiday meals for the first family, including family-style Thanksgiving spreads, chili for New Year's, and Easter brunch.
  • Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps Perform for Queen Elizabeth II
    Joseph H. Bailey
    music
    military
    State Visit
    South Lawn
    South Grounds
    Head of State
    Arrival Ceremony
    This photograph of President George H. W. Bush and Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain watching the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps perform on the South Lawn was taken by Joseph H. Bailey on May 14, 1991 during an Arrival Ceremony held in The Queen's honor. On the right side of the reviewing stand are Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and First Lady Barbara Bush. The Bushes also honored her visit with a State Dinner in the evening. Queen Elizabeth's visit was the start of a 13 day tour of the United States.
  • Arrival Ceremony in Honor of Queen Elizabeth II
    Joseph H. Bailey
    State Visit
    South Lawn
    South Grounds
    Head of State
    Arrival Ceremony
    This photograph of President George H. W. Bush and Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain on the reviewing stand during an Arrival Ceremony held in her honor was taken by Joseph H. Bailey on May 14, 1991. On the right side of the reviewing stand are Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and First Lady Barbara Bush. The Arrival Ceremony took place on the South Lawn of the White House Grounds. The Bushes also celebrated Queen Elizabeth's visit with a State Dinner in the evening. Her visit was the start of a 13 day tour of the United States.
  • Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps Perform for Queen Elizabeth II
    Joseph H. Bailey
    music
    military
    State Visit
    South Lawn
    South Grounds
    Head of State
    Arrival Ceremony
    This photograph of President George H. W. Bush and Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain watching the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps perform on the South Lawn was taken by Joseph H. Bailey on May 14, 1991 during an Arrival Ceremony held in The Queen's honor. On the right side of the reviewing stand are Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and First Lady Barbara Bush. The Bushes also honored her visit with a State Dinner in the evening. Queen Elizabeth's visit was the start of a 13 day tour of the United States.
  • President Bush Welcomes Queen Elizabeth II with Arrival Ceremony
    Joseph H. Bailey
    State Visit
    South Lawn
    South Grounds
    Head of State
    Arrival Ceremony
    This photograph of President George H. W. Bush, First Lady Barbara Bush, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was taken by Joseph H. Bailey on May 14, 1991. The four are seen walking to a reviewing stand erected on the South Lawn for an Arrival Ceremony held in honor of The Queen. The Bushes also celebrated her visit with a State Dinner in the evening. Queen Elizabeth's visit to the White House was the start of a 13 day tour of the United States.
  • President Bush Welcomes Queen Elizabeth II with Arrival Ceremony
    Joseph H. Bailey
    State Visit
    South Lawn
    South Grounds
    Head of State
    Arrival Ceremony
    This photograph of President George H. W. Bush, First Lady Barbara Bush, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was taken by Joseph H. Bailey on May 14, 1991. The four are seen walking to a reviewing stand erected on the South Lawn for an Arrival Ceremony held in honor of The Queen. The Bushes also celebrated her visit with a State Dinner in the evening. Queen Elizabeth's visit to the White House was the start of a 13 day tour of the United States.