• Eartha Kitt Questions President Johnson at Luncheon
    Kevin Smith
    protests
    meals
    initiatives
    arts & culture
    State Floor
    Family Dining Room
    Vietnam War
    In this photograph, taken by Kevin Smith on January 18, 1968, American singer and actress Eartha Kitt questions President Lyndon B. Johnson during a "Women Doers" luncheon hosted by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. Mrs. Johnson hosted the luncheon series to encourage discussion of the roles women could take to address various social issues. The topic for the January 18 luncheon was "Crime on the Streets." Kitt, who was invited to speak at the luncheon due to her work with at-risk youth, defended anti-Vietnam War protestors and spoke critically on President Johnson's policies regarding taxes, social welfare, and childcare. Due to her remarks, Kitt faced media backlash and career repercussions that lasted several decades.
  • Party for Vicky McCammon and Patsy Derby in East Room
    Kevin Smith
    White House Guests
    event
    East Room
    State Floor
    This photograph of First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and guests was taken in the East Room by Kevin Smith on August 11, 1966. The party was given for White House Secretary Vicky McCammon and Patsy Derby, Lady Bird Johnson's first cousin, who was occasionally invited to assist with White House events as a hostess. Dinner and dancing followed the buffet reception.
  • President Lyndon B. Johnson in the Oval Office
    Kevin Smith
    Oval Office
    West Wing
    In this photograph taken by Kevin Smith on January 17, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson takes a telephone call in the Oval Office. Instead of using the Resolute Desk, Johnson sat behind this pedestal partner's desk built by the U.S. Senate cabinet shop in the early twentieth century.