In this photograph by O. J. Rapp, Lynda Bird Johnson, daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, poses alongside her husband, Marine Corps Capt. Charles S. Robb, following their wedding ceremony on December 9, 1967. The couple, photographed here in the Yellow Oval Room, was married in East Room of the White House. Lynda's wedding gown was designed by Geoffrey Beene and featured a high-necked, long sleeve narrow A-line type dress, made full by a center pleat down the back. The gown was made of pearl white Abraham silk satin in an internationally distinguished Swiss mill.

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.

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.

In this image, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 14, 1969, Bob Hope and performers from the Bob Hope Christmas Show mingle in the Entrance Hall and Cross Hall. Pictured here with Hope are members of the song and dance troupe the Golddiggers. The official White House Christmas Tree is visible in the background. That day, the cast of Bob Hope's Christmas special dined with President and Mrs. Nixon in the State Dining Room, and put on a preview performance in the East Room. Bob Hope's USO-sponsored variety shows entertained American troops around the world for nearly 50 years, and his television specials were an annual tradition for American households for decades. Hope was a recurrent guest at the White House and entertained every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.

In this image, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 14, 1969, Bob Hope and performers from the Bob Hope Christmas Show mingle in the Entrance Hall and Cross Hall. Pictured here with Hope are members of the song and dance troupe the Golddiggers. The official White House Christmas Tree is visible in the background. That day, the cast of Bob Hope's Christmas special dined with President and Mrs. Nixon in the State Dining Room, and put on a preview performance in the East Room. Bob Hope's USO-sponsored variety shows entertained American troops around the world for nearly 50 years, and his television specials were an annual tradition for American households for decades. Hope was a recurrent guest at the White House and entertained every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 23, 1969, during a Christmas party hosted by First Lady Pat Nixon for children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. Approximately 400 children between the ages of four and eleven attended the party. The children were treated to a reception of cookies and punch, and a performance by students from the Washington School of Ballet of selections from Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker." Here, children mingle and enjoy balloons in the East Room. Visible in the background is a prominent display for an 18th-century crèche, or nativity scene, that was gifted to the White House in 1967.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel in December 1969 at a White House Christmas party during the administration of Richard M. Nixon. Here, first daughter Julie Nixon Eisenhower poses alongside a costumed "Santa Claus," likely a member of the White House staff, in the Entrance Hall. This photo may have been taken at a Christmas party for White House staff, which was held on December 21, 1969.

In this photograph, taken by O. J. Rapp on July 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson delivers a televised address to the nation prior to signing into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The bill prohibited job discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, or national origin, ended segregation in public places, and the unequal application of voting requirements. In attendance at the ceremony were members of Congress and civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rep. Peter Rodino of New Jersey.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 21, 1969, President Richard M. Nixon, First Lady Pat Nixon, astronauts from the Apollo 12 lunar exploration mission, and their wives receive guests in the Cross Hall for a worship service. The worship service was conducted in the East Room and attended by approximately 325 guests. The crew of Apollo 12 included the second group of astronauts to walk on the moon, on November 19-20, 1969. Cdr. Pete Conrad, his wife, Jane; lunar module pilot Alan Bean, his wife, Sue; and command module pilot Richard F. Gordon, Jr. and his wife, Barbara were the overnight guests of president and Mrs. Nixon at the White House on December 20-21, 1969.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 14, 1969, during a preview performance of the Bob Hope Christmas Show in the East Room. Here, the Golddiggers perform during the variety show for President Richard M. Nixon, First Lady Pat Nixon, and over 200 guests. A women's song and dance troupe, the Golddiggers performed for American troops stationed in Vietnam with Bob Hope's variety shows from 1968-1970. Bob Hope's USO-sponsored variety shows entertained American troops around the world for nearly 50 years, and his television specials were an annual tradition for American households for decades. Hope was a recurrent guest at the White House and entertained every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 14, 1969, during a preview performance of the Bob Hope Christmas Show in the East Room. Here, a member of the Golddiggers performs during the variety show for President Richard M. Nixon, First Lady Pat Nixon, and over 200 guests. A women's song and dance troupe, the Golddiggers performed for American troops stationed in Vietnam with Bob Hope's variety shows from 1968-1970. Bob Hope's USO-sponsored variety shows entertained American troops around the world for nearly 50 years, and his television specials were an annual tradition for American households for decades. Hope was a recurrent guest at the White House and entertained every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 14, 1969, during a preview performance of the Bob Hope Christmas Show in the East Room. Here, a member of the Golddiggers performs during the variety show for President Richard M. Nixon, First Lady Pat Nixon, and over 200 guests. A women's song and dance troupe, the Golddiggers performed for American troops stationed in Vietnam with Bob Hope's variety shows from 1968-1970. Bob Hope's USO-sponsored variety shows entertained American troops around the world for nearly 50 years, and his television specials were an annual tradition for American households for decades. Hope was a recurrent guest at the White House and entertained every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 14, 1969, during a preview performance of the Bob Hope Christmas Show in the East Room. Here, Bob Hope addresses the audience alongside Austrian model and Miss World 1969 Eva Rueber-Staier. Bob Hope's USO-sponsored variety shows entertained American troops around the world for nearly 50 years, and his television specials were an annual tradition for American households for decades. Hope was a recurrent guest at the White House and entertained every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 14, 1969, during a preview performance of the Bob Hope Christmas Show in the East Room. Here, members of the Golddiggers perform during the variety show for President Richard M. Nixon, First Lady Pat Nixon, and over 200 guests. A women's song and dance troupe, the Golddiggers performed for American troops stationed in Vietnam with Bob Hope's variety shows from 1968-1970. Bob Hope's USO-sponsored variety shows entertained American troops around the world for nearly 50 years, and his television specials were an annual tradition for American households for decades. Hope was a recurrent guest at the White House and entertained every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 21, 1969, President Richard M. Nixon, First Lady Pat Nixon, astronauts from the Apollo 12 lunar exploration mission, and their wives greet members of the Boys Choir of the Washington National Cathedral in the Cross Hall. The choristers performed that day at a worship service in the East Room. The crew of Apollo 12 included the second group of astronauts to walk on the moon, on November 19-20, 1969. Cdr. Pete Conrad, his wife, Jane; lunar module pilot Alan Bean, his wife, Sue; and command module pilot Richard F. Gordon, Jr. and his wife, Barbara were the overnight guests of president and Mrs. Nixon at the White House on December 20-21-1969.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel, President Richard M. Nixon, First Lady Pat Nixon, astronauts from the Apollo 12 lunar exploration mission, and their wives converse in the Cross Hall. The crew of Apollo 12 included the second group of astronauts to walk on the moon, on November 19-20, 1969. Cdr. Pete Conrad, his wife, Jane; lunar module pilot Alan Bean, his wife, Sue; and command module pilot Richard F. Gordon, Jr. and his wife, Barbara were the overnight guests of President and Mrs. Nixon at the White House on December 20-21, 1969. In this photograph, the Nixons, the astronauts, and their spouses wait to receive visitors for a worship service in the East Room, which was attended by 325 guests on on December 21, 1969.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 14, 1969, President Richard M. Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon welcome guests in the Cross Hall to a performance of George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" by the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church choir. Attended primarily by members of Congress and their families, the half-hour performance was held that Sunday in lieu of the weekly worship services held in the East Room during the Nixon administration.

This photograph, taken by Joseph J. Scherschel of National Geographic on December 1969, shows a tray of pastries that was served during a breakfast reception in the Blue Room. Coffee and orange juice were also served. It is possible the desserts were served during a White House holiday reception during the Richard M. Nixon administration; when these pastries were served the Blue Room was festively decorated with red candles, garlands, and ornaments for the season.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 18, 1965, guests of a White House Christmas party attempt to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus, framed in the door of the Blue Room. Luci Baines Johnson, youngest daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, hosted the party to brighten the holiday season for approximately 150 local children. The children gathered in the Blue Room to see the official White House Christmas Tree, which is traditionally placed at its center. In 1965, the tree was adorned with garlands made from nuts, popcorn, and cranberries, and 3000 ornaments including decorations made from gingerbread, straw stars, bunches of geraniums, and toy soldiers. During the party, the children also enjoyed sweet treats in the State Dining Room, watched a concert in the East Room by Estonian-Swedish pianist Käbi Larete, and were presented with toys including jack-in-the boxes and mechanical animals.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 14, 1969, during a preview performance of the Bob Hope Christmas Show in the East Room. Here, dancer Suzanne Charney performs during the variety show for President Richard M. Nixon, First Lady Pat Nixon, and over 200 guests. Bob Hope's USO-sponsored variety shows entertained American troops around the world for nearly 50 years, and his television specials were an annual tradition for American households for decades. Hope was a recurrent guest at the White House and entertained every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.

In this photograph, taken on December 21, 1969, President Richard M. Nixon mingles with guests in the Cross Hall. This photograph was taken following a Sunday morning worship service, conducted in the East Room. The service was attended by approximately 325 guests. Here, the president is accompanied by astronauts from the Apollo 12 lunar exploration mission and their wives. The crew of Apollo 12 included the second group of astronauts to walk on the moon, on November 19-20, 1969. Cdr. Pete Conrad, his wife, Jane, lunar module pilot Alan Bean, his wife, Sue, and command module pilot Richard F. Gordon, Jr. and his wife, Barbara were the overnight guests of President and Mrs. Nixon at the White House on December 20-21, 1969.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 14, 1969, during a preview performance of the Bob Hope Christmas Show in the East Room. Here, a member of the Golddiggers performs during the variety show for President Richard M. Nixon, First Lady Pat Nixon, and over 200 guests. A women's song and dance troupe, the Golddiggers performed for American troops stationed in Vietnam with Bob Hope's variety shows from 1968-1970. Bob Hope's USO-sponsored variety shows entertained American troops around the world for nearly 50 years, and his television specials were an annual tradition for American households for decades. Hope was a recurrent guest at the White House and entertained every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel on December 14, 1969, during a preview performance of the Bob Hope Christmas Show in the East Room. Here, Les Brown and his Band of Renown performs during the variety show for President Richard M. Nixon, First Lady Pat Nixon, and over 200 guests. Les Brown's big band ensemble enjoyed a long association with Bob Hope, and frequently performed during his variety shows. Bob Hope's USO-sponsored variety shows entertained American troops around the world for nearly 50 years, and his television specials were an annual tradition for American households for decades. Hope was a recurrent guest at the White House and entertained every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.

In this photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel in December 1969, an unidentified butler prepares a breakfast buffet of pastries, coffee, and orange juice in the Blue Room. It is possible the buffet was served during a White House holiday reception during the Richard M. Nixon administration; the Blue Room is festively decorated with red candles, garlands, and ornaments for the season.

This photograph, taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel in December 1969, shows a table in the Blue Room lined with trays of pastries, floral decorations, orange juice, and coffee for a breakfast reception. It is possible the buffet was served during a White House holiday reception during the Richard M. Nixon administration; the Blue Room is festively decorated with red candles, garlands, and ornaments for the season.