This photograph, taken by Matthew D'Agostino on December 5, 2019, shows a flock of birds above the National Christmas Tree during the pre-show of the 97th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. While the birds were not a scheduled part of the evening's performance, they served as a reminder that the event took place on protected natural parkland: the Ellipse on President's Park, managed by the National Park Service. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is a cherished holiday tradition in Washington, D.C. When President Calvin Coolidge lit the first tree in 1923, the celebration attracted more than 6,000 spectators. The opening ceremony and nightly holiday concerts have annually drawn hundreds of attendees.

This photograph of the North Portico and North Front of the White House decorated for the holiday season was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on the morning of December 2, 2019 during a press preview of the year's holiday decor. The windows were decorated with festive wreaths and a large ribbon greeted visitors coming through the doors. The holiday theme for 2019 was “The Spirit of America”, which recognized the United States' rich history and traditions. Designed by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House decorations paid tribute to the individuals who have shaped the country and kept the American spirit alive, drawing inspiration from the hard working people and families Mrs. Trump met on her travels as first lady.

This photograph of the North Portico and North Front of the White House decorated for the holiday season was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on the morning of December 2, 2019 during a press preview of the year's holiday decor. The windows were decorated with festive wreaths and a large ribbon greeted visitors coming through the doors. The holiday theme for 2019 was “The Spirit of America”, which recognized the United States' rich history and traditions. Designed by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House decorations paid tribute to the individuals who have shaped the country and kept the American spirit alive, drawing inspiration from the hard working people and families Mrs. Trump met on her travels as first lady.

This photograph of the West Wing Entrance was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on the morning of December 2, 2019 during a preview of the White House holiday decorations. A large Christmas tree is visible through the doors. The holiday theme for 2019 was “The Spirit of America”, which recognized the United States' rich history and traditions. Designed by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House decorations paid tribute to the individuals who have shaped the country and kept the American spirit alive, drawing inspiration from the hard working people and families Mrs. Trump met on her travels as first lady.

This photograph of the West Wing Entrance was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on the morning of December 2, 2019 during a preview of the White House holiday decorations. A large Christmas tree is visible through the doors. The holiday theme for 2019 was “The Spirit of America”, which recognized the United States' rich history and traditions. Designed by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House decorations paid tribute to the individuals who have shaped the country and kept the American spirit alive, drawing inspiration from the hard working people and families Mrs. Trump met on her travels as first lady.

This photograph of the North Portico and North Front of the White House decorated for the holiday season was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on the morning of December 2, 2019 during a press preview of the year's holiday decor. The windows were decorated with festive wreaths and a large ribbon greeted visitors coming through the doors. The holiday theme for 2019 was “The Spirit of America”, which recognized the United States' rich history and traditions. Designed by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House decorations paid tribute to the individuals who have shaped the country and kept the American spirit alive, drawing inspiration from the hard working people and families Mrs. Trump met on her travels as first lady.

This photograph of the windows on the North Front of the White House was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on the morning of December 2, 2019 during a press preview for the year's holiday decor. The windows were decorated with festive wreaths. The holiday theme for 2019 decorations was “The Spirit of America”, which recognized the United States' rich history and traditions. Designed by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House decorations paid tribute to the individuals who have shaped the country and kept the American spirit alive, drawing inspiration from the hard working people and families Mrs. Trump met on her travels as first lady.

This photograph of the United States Marine Band was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on the morning of December 2, 2019 during a press preview of the White House holiday decor. The U.S. Marine Band performed in the Entrance Hall of the Executive Mansion among the festive Christmas trees lining the hall and in the adjacent Cross Hall. The holiday theme for 2019 was “The Spirit of America”, which recognized the United States' rich history and traditions. Designed by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House decorations paid tribute to the individuals who have shaped the country and kept the American spirit alive, drawing inspiration from the hard working people and families Mrs. Trump met on her travels as first lady.

This photograph was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on December 4, 2014, shortly before the 92nd annual National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by actor Tom Hanks and his wife, singer and actress Rita Wilson, and featured performances by Ne-Yo, Patti LaBelle, Fifth Harmony, and Steve Miller. First Lady Michelle Obama read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" with Sports Illustrated "SportsKid of the Year," Mo'ne Davis, and President Barack Obama danced with Santa Claus. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is a cherished holiday tradition in Washington, D.C. When President Calvin Coolidge lit the first tree in 1923, the celebration attracted more than 6,000 spectators. The opening ceremony and nightly holiday concerts draw hundreds of attendees.

This photograph was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on December 4, 2014, shortly before the 92nd annual National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by actor Tom Hanks and his wife, singer and actress Rita Wilson, and featured performances by Ne-Yo, Patti LaBelle, Fifth Harmony, and Steve Miller. First Lady Michelle Obama read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" with Sports Illustrated "SportsKid of the Year," Mo'ne Davis, and President Barack Obama danced with Santa Claus. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is a cherished holiday tradition in Washington, D.C. When President Calvin Coolidge lit the first tree in 1923, the celebration attracted more than 6,000 spectators. The opening ceremony and nightly holiday concerts draw hundreds of attendees.

This photograph was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on December 4, 2014, shortly before the 92nd annual National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by actor Tom Hanks and his wife, singer and actress Rita Wilson, and featured performances by Ne-Yo, Patti LaBelle, Fifth Harmony, and Steve Miller. First Lady Michelle Obama read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" with Sports Illustrated "SportsKid of the Year," Mo'ne Davis, and President Barack Obama danced with Santa Claus. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is a cherished holiday tradition in Washington, D.C. When President Calvin Coolidge lit the first tree in 1923, the celebration attracted more than 6,000 spectators. The opening ceremony and nightly holiday concerts draw hundreds of attendees.

This photograph was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on December 4, 2014, shortly before the 92nd annual National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by actor Tom Hanks and his wife, singer and actress Rita Wilson, and featured performances by Ne-Yo, Patti LaBelle, Fifth Harmony, and Steve Miller. First Lady Michelle Obama read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" with Sports Illustrated "SportsKid of the Year," Mo'ne Davis, and President Barack Obama danced with Santa Claus. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is a cherished holiday tradition in Washington, D.C. When President Calvin Coolidge lit the first tree in 1923, the celebration attracted more than 6,000 spectators. The opening ceremony and nightly holiday concerts draw hundreds of attendees.

This photograph was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on December 4, 2014, shortly before the 92nd annual National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by actor Tom Hanks and his wife, singer and actress Rita Wilson, and featured performances by Ne-Yo, Patti LaBelle, Fifth Harmony, and Steve Miller. First Lady Michelle Obama read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" with Sports Illustrated "SportsKid of the Year," Mo'ne Davis, and President Barack Obama danced with Santa Claus. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is a cherished holiday tradition in Washington, D.C. When President Calvin Coolidge lit the first tree in 1923, the celebration attracted more than 6,000 spectators. The opening ceremony and nightly holiday concerts draw hundreds of attendees.

This photograph of an unknown woman visiting Lafayette Park with her dog was taken by Joseph H. Bailey in April 1974, during the Richard M. Nixon administration. The woman can be seen standing by the vibrant red and purple flowers adorning the park that spring, with Pennsylvania Avenue and the North Front of the White House in the background.

This photograph of visitors outside the north fence of the White House was taken by Joseph H. Bailey in April 1974, during the Richard M. Nixon administration. In this photograph, one of the visitors can be seen posing with the North Portico in the background.

This photograph of an unknown woman visiting Lafayette Park with her dog was taken by Joseph H. Bailey in April 1974, during the Richard M. Nixon administration. The woman can be seen standing by the vibrant red and purple flowers adorning the park that spring, with Pennsylvania Avenue and the North Front of the White House in the background.

This photograph of visitors outside the north fence of the White House was taken by Joseph H. Bailey in April 1974, during the Richard M. Nixon administration. In this photograph, one of the visitors can be seen posing with the North Portico in the background.

This photograph of the north view of the White House from Lafayette Park was taken by Joseph H. Bailey in April 1974, during the Richard M. Nixon administration. Visitors to the park can be seen snapping photographs of the White House.

This photograph of the north view of the White House from Lafayette Park was taken by Joseph H. Bailey in April 1974, during the Richard M. Nixon administration. Visitors to the park can be seen snapping photographs of the White House.

This photograph of the White House beehive was taken by Matthew D'Agostino at the seventh annual planting of the White House Kitchen Garden hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama on April 15, 2015. The beehive was also erected 2009 and was believed to be the first beehive on the White House Grounds. The idea for the beehive can be credited to White House carpenter Charlie Brandt, who did beekeeping as a hobby and became the first White House beekeeper. In its first year, the beehive produced 34 gallons of honey. By 2011, when President Barack Obama purchased a home-brewing kit, three different beers were brewed using the honey from the beehive: White House Honey Brown Ale, Honey Porter, and Honey Blonde. The beehive is located on the South Lawn, near the Kitchen Garden.

This photograph of the White House beehive was taken by Matthew D'Agostino at the seventh annual planting of the White House Kitchen Garden hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama on April 15, 2015. The beehive was also erected 2009 and was believed to be the first beehive on the White House Grounds. The idea for the beehive can be credited to White House carpenter Charlie Brandt, who did beekeeping as a hobby and became the first White House beekeeper. In its first year, the beehive produced 34 gallons of honey. By 2011, when President Barack Obama purchased a home-brewing kit, three different beers were brewed using the honey from the beehive: White House Honey Brown Ale, Honey Porter, and Honey Blonde. The beehive is located on the South Lawn, near the Kitchen Garden.

This photograph was taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association on April 17, 2017. This photograph captures the White House Kitchen Garden, located on the South Lawn of the White House Grounds. The photograph was taken during the 2017 White House Easter Egg Roll.

This photograph was taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association on May 13, 2016. This photograph captures the Washington Monument from the South Lawn of the White House. In the foreground, guests of the Nordic State Dinner and a tent set up for the festivities are visible. The decor of the event, and the tent, were inspired by the northern lights, the wintry environs of the five Nordic nations in attendance, and ice. The State Dinner was held during the Barack Obama administration.

This photograph was taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association on May 13, 2016. This photograph captures colorful and decorative lights reflecting off of the flowers and hedges surrounding the fountain on the South Lawn of the White House. The lights and fountain were captured on the evening of the Nordic State Dinner, held in honor of leaders of the five Nordic nations visiting during the Barack Obama administration.

This photograph was taken by Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association on May 13, 2016. This photograph captures the South Portico in the evening, taken during the Barack Obama administration at a State Dinner honoring leaders from the five Nordic nations. The dinner and festivities took place on the South Lawn.