• Mrs. Obama Announces the Academy Award for Best Picture
    Pete Souza
    arts & culture
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    ceremonies
    merits & awards
    In this photograph by Pete Souza, First Lady Michelle Obama announces the Academy Award winner for Best Picture on February 24, 2013. Her appearance on the live televised Oscar ceremony was filmed in the Diplomatic Reception Room on the Ground Floor of the White House. The winner of Best Picture, "Argo", was a film about the rescue of six United States diplomats who sought safety at the home of the Canadian ambassador to Iran during the 1979 to 1981 Iran Hostage Crisis in Tehran.
  • President Obama Speaks to Steve Kroft for "60 Minutes"
    Pete Souza
    press
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    In this photograph, President Barack Obama is interviewed by American journalist Steve Kroft on September 26, 2014. Kroft spoke to President Obama for a segment on the television news magazine, "60 Minutes." The two spoke in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, and occurred ahead of the midterms elections and President Obama's final two years in office.
  • Moment of Silence, September 11, 2019
    Shealah Craighead
    commemorations
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    September 11
    In this photograph, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump depart through the doors of the Diplomatic Reception Room to join White House staff on the South Lawn to observe a moment of silence in commemoration of the 18th anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. In 2002, President George W. Bush designated September 11th as Patriot Day, a time that has been recognized through presidential proclamations as a national day of remembrance, prayer, and service. Presidents and first ladies typically commemorate the day through moment of silence observations on the White House South Lawn, and by attending remembrance ceremonies at sites affected by the terrorist attacks.
  • Moment of Silence, September 11, 2013
    Pete Souza
    commemorations
    South Lawn
    South Grounds
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    September 11
    In this photograph, President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joseph R. Biden, and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden return to the White House through the doors of the Diplomatic Reception Room after joining White House staff on the South Lawn to observe a moment of silence in commemoration of the twelfth anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. In 2002, President George W. Bush designated September 11th as Patriot Day, a time that has been recognized through presidential proclamations as a national day of remembrance, prayer, and service. Presidents and first ladies typically commemorate the day through moment of silence observations on the White House South Lawn, and by attending remembrance ceremonies at sites affected by the terrorist attacks.
  • Curator Lorraine Waxman Pearce Receives the Painting "A Hartford Family"
    Robert L. Knudsen
    portraits
    painting
    likeness
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    Residence staff
    staff
    This photograph of White House curator Lorraine Waxman Pearce was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on June 28, 1961, during the John F. Kennedy administration. The curator was on hand to accept the a noteworthy painting of a Hartford, Connecticut family. Donated by the E. and A. Silberman Galleries, this important acquisition was hung in the Lincoln Bedroom, enhancing its Victorian period decor. This painting by an unknown artist is a portrait of a family relaxing in their lounge or parlor, circa 1840-1850. Members of the family of five sit about, playing the piano, working on needlepoint, and playing with the family dog. In the back, a young African American girl serves the mother.
  • President and Mrs. Obama Meet the 2010 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team
    Pete Souza
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    Ground Floor
    sports
    receptions
    White House Guests
    In this photograph, taken by Pete Souza on April 21, 2010, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama congratulate athletes of the United States Women's Ice Hockey team in the Diplomatic Reception Room following their return from the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada. The American team was awarded the silver medal for their showing at the Olympics, and took part in the final round against the Canadian home team on February 25, 2010.
  • Presentation of Antique Candy Jars to the White House
    Robert L. Knudsen
    staff
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    staff of FLOTUS and POTUS
    In this photograph, Lea Gallic, a candy industry representative, and Letitia Baldrige, social secretary to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, each hold an antique candy jar from around 1860. The jars were given to the White House by the Candy, Chocolate, and Confectionery Institute in a presentation held on October 25, 1961 in the Diplomatic Reception Room. 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.
  • Prince Charles and Princess Anne Meet White House Staff
    Robert L. Knudsen
    staff
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    In this photograph, taken July 18, 1970, Prince Charles of Wales shakes hands with White House Executive Chef Henry Haller in the Diplomatic Reception Room following a dinner at the White House. Charles' sister, Princess Anne, attended the dinner, along with President Richard M. Nixon's daughters Julie and Tricia, and Julie's husband David Eisenhower. The menu featured American specialties, including buttery Parker House Rolls, which originated at the Parker House Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. Standing next to Haller in this photograph is chef Hans Raffert, while Princess Anne greets other White House staff members, including butler Eugene Allen, in the receiving line. President Richard M. Nixon looks on from the right side of the photograph. This photograph is part of a collection belonging to former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. Haller served as executive chef at the White House from 1966-1987.
  • Mrs. Eisenhower Receives American Heart Association Award
    Joseph J. Scherschel
    press
    ceremony
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph by Joseph J. Scherschel shows First Lady Pat Nixon and former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower in the Diplomatic Reception Room on January 29, 1970. Mrs. Eisenhower visited the White House that day to receive the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award from the American Heart Association for her work with the group. Also present in the photo are Owen R. Cheatham, founder and chairman of the executive committee of the Georgia Pacific Corporation; Dr. W. Proctor Harvey, president of the American Heart Association; and Lowell F. Johnson, vice president of the American Home Products Corporation.
  • Mrs. Eisenhower Receives American Heart Association Award
    Joseph J. Scherschel
    press
    ceremony
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph by Joseph J. Scherschel shows First Lady Pat Nixon and former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower in the Diplomatic Reception Room on January 29, 1970. Mrs. Eisenhower visited the White House that day to receive the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award from the American Heart Association for her work with the group. Also present in the photo are Owen R. Cheatham, founder and chairman of the executive committee of the Georgia Pacific Corporation; Dr. W. Proctor Harvey, president of the American Heart Association; and Lowell F. Johnson, vice president of the American Home Products Corporation.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.
  • Diplomatic Reception Room, Nixon Administration
    Victor Boswell
    Robert S. Oakes
    Nelson Brown
    Ground Floor
    Diplomatic Reception Room
    This photograph of the Diplomatic Reception Room was taken in December 1971 during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. 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.