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 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.

This photograph is of guests chatting and admiring sculptures in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden during the White House Festival of the Arts on June 14, 1965. The sculpture "Helmet V" by Dimitri Hadzi is visible in the background. Over 300 guests attended the White House Festival of the Arts to honor contemporary American artistic achievement. 65 works of art borrowed from 39 museums across the country were displayed in the East Wing and Jacqueline Kennedy Garden. The 14-hour event also featured a photography exhibition in the Vermeil Room, a film screening in the State Dining Room, and a variety of performances in the East Room, State Dining Room, and the South Lawn including Duke Ellington, the Robert Joffrey Ballet, and the Louisville Orchestra.

This photograph is of guests listening to a reading in the East Room during the White House Festival of the Arts. The program of prose and poetry readings in the East Room was introduced by Mark Van Doren and featured readings from several authors and poets including Saul Bellow, Catherine Drinker Bowen, John Hersey, and Phillis McGinley. On June 14, 1965 over 300 guests attended the White House Festival of the Arts to honor contemporary American artistic achievement. 65 works of art borrowed from 39 museums across the country were displayed in the East Wing and Jacqueline Kennedy Garden. The 14-hour event also featured a photography exhibition in the Vermeil Room, a film screening in the State Dining Room, and a variety of performances in the East Room, State Dining Room, and the South Lawn including Duke Ellington, the Robert Joffrey Ballet, and the Louisville Orchestra.

This photograph is of guests enjoying themselves at a reception for presidential scholars. President Lyndon B. Johnson established the presidential scholars program in 1964 to honor distinguished graduating high school seniors on the basis of outstanding scholarship, service, leadership, and creativity. The White House Commission on U.S. Presidential Scholars and the US Department of Education administer the review process and have selected over 7000 recipients for this special distinction.

In this photograph, actors Pat Hingle and Piper Laurie perform a scene from Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie" in the East Room during the White House Festival of the Arts on June 14, 1965. Actress Helen Hayes introduced selections from four contemporary plays that were performed in the East Room. Along with Laurie and Hingle, Maureen Stapleton and George Grizzard performed scenes from "The Glass Menagerie;" Jack Albertson, Martin Sheen, and Irene Dailey performed excerpts from Frank Gilroy's "The Subject was Roses;" Mildred Dunnock reprised her role from Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman;" and Tim Ligon, Moses Gunn, and other actors from Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. performed a scene from Millard Lampell's "Hard Travelin'." Over 300 guests attended the White House Festival of the Arts to honor contemporary American artistic achievement. 65 works of art borrowed from 39 museums across the country were displayed in the East Wing and Jacqueline Kennedy Garden. The 14-hour event also featured a photography exhibition in the Vermeil Room, a film screening in the State Dining Room, and a variety of performances in the East Room, State Dining Room, and the South Lawn including Duke Ellington, the Robert Joffrey Ballet, and the Louisville Orchestra.