This photograph is of a White House usher Preston Bruce standing near a mantel in the East Room of the White House. As part of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy's restoration of White House rooms, the mantels were repainted to resemble white marble. The image was taken on August 14, 1961 by a National Geographic staff photographer for the White Historical Association's 1962 publication of "The White House: A Historic Guide". The publication serves as a companion book for tours of the White House, providing history of the rooms, architecture, and furniture.

This photograph of White House curator William G. Allman in the State Dining Room was taken by Matthew D’Agostino on April 27, 2015, during the Barack Obama administration. At a press preview ahead of the State Dinner held in honor of Prime Minister Shinzō Abe of Japan, Allman discussed the Obama’s recently revealed state china service. The Japan State Dinner would be the first official occasion where the Obama state service was used. The service included 11 pieces per setting and was designed with a modern aesthetic that was compatible and interchangeable with other historic services in the White House Collection. In a nod toward President Obama’s upbringing in Hawaii, several pieces in the service are complimented with bands of “Kailua blue”. Allman served as curator from 2002-2017.

In this photograph, taken July 30, 1982 by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey, First Lady Nancy Reagan samples dishes prepared by pastry chef Roland Mesnier (left), White House Executive Chef Henry Haller (center), and chef Frank Ruta. As first lady, Mrs. Reagan often consulted with chefs before special events, offering suggestions for imaginative desserts such as the spun-sugar elephant and swan creations on the table.

In this photograph, taken July 30, 1982 by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey, First Lady Nancy Reagan samples dishes prepared by pastry chef Roland Mesnier (left), White House Executive Chef Henry Haller (center), and chef Frank Ruta. As first lady, Mrs. Reagan often consulted with chefs before special events, offering suggestions for imaginative desserts such as the spun-sugar elephant and swan creations on the table.

In this photograph, taken July 30, 1982 by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey, First Lady Nancy Reagan admires dishes prepared by White House Executive Chef Henry Haller (right) in the White House Kitchen on the Ground Floor of the Executive Mansion. As first lady, Mrs. Reagan often consulted with chefs before special events.

In this photograph, taken July 30, 1982 by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey, First Lady Nancy Reagan samples dishes prepared by pastry chef Roland Mesnier (left), White House Executive Chef Henry Haller (right). As first lady, Mrs. Reagan often consulted with chefs before special events, offering suggestions for imaginative desserts such as the spun-sugar elephant and swan creations on the table.

In this photograph, taken July 30, 1982 by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey, First Lady Nancy Reagan samples dishes prepared by pastry chef Roland Mesnier (left), White House Executive Chef Henry Haller (center), and chef Frank Ruta. As first lady, Mrs. Reagan often consulted with chefs before special events, offering suggestions for imaginative desserts such as the spun-sugar elephant and swan creations on the table.

In this photograph, taken July 30, 1982 by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey, First Lady Nancy Reagan admires dishes prepared by White House Executive Chef Henry Haller (right) in the White House Kitchen on the Ground Floor of the Executive Mansion. As first lady, Mrs. Reagan often consulted with chefs before special events.