This photograph of the White House Kitchen Garden was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on April 6, 2015, during the Barack Obama administration. The White House Kitchen Garden was established by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2009 to supply food for the First Family and inspire everyday citizens to grow their own produce. By 2019, the garden supplied fruits, vegetables, and herbs totaling approximately 2,000 pounds per year to the White House Kitchen; food not used by the White House was donated to local charities. This photograph was taken during the White House Easter Egg Roll, which was held on the South Grounds.

This photograph of the White House Kitchen Garden was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on April 6, 2015, during the Barack Obama administration. The White House Kitchen Garden was established by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2009 to supply food for the First Family and inspire everyday citizens to grow their own produce. By 2019, the garden supplied fruits, vegetables, and herbs totaling approximately 2,000 pounds per year to the White House Kitchen; food not used by the White House was donated to local charities. This photograph was taken during the White House Easter Egg Roll, which was held on the South Grounds.

This photograph of the south view of the White House framed by flowering trees was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on April 6, 2015, during the Barack Obama administration. This photograph was taken during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

This photograph of the south view of the White House framed by flowering trees was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on April 6, 2015, during the Barack Obama administration. This photograph was taken during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

This photograph of President Barack Obama walking near the Rose Garden was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on April 6, 2015. This photograph was taken during President Obama's appearance on the South Grounds for the White House Easter Egg Roll. The Rose Garden is located on the west side of the South Grounds, just outside the Oval Office. It has gone through several incarnations: a vegetable garden in the first part of the 19th century, a “colonial” garden in 1902, and then replaced with a rose garden in 1913. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy wanted to expand the garden for official functions and events. His idea became the Rose Garden, designed by horticulturist, gardener, and close friend of the Kennedys, Rachel Lambert "Bunny" Mellon. The garden was installed the following year, becoming a green theater for official ceremonies and a special place for the first family’s private enjoyment.

This photograph of President Barack Obama walking near the Rose Garden was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on April 6, 2015. This photograph was taken during President Obama's appearance on the South Grounds for the White House Easter Egg Roll. The Rose Garden is located on the west side of the South Grounds, just outside the Oval Office. It has gone through several incarnations: a vegetable garden in the first part of the 19th century, a “colonial” garden in 1902, and then replaced with a rose garden in 1913. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy wanted to expand the garden for official functions and events. His idea became the Rose Garden, designed by horticulturist, gardener, and close friend of the Kennedys, Rachel Lambert "Bunny" Mellon. The garden was installed the following year, becoming a green theater for official ceremonies and a special place for the first family’s private enjoyment.

This photograph of flowering trees in the Rose Garden was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on April 6, 2015, during the Barack Obama administration. The Rose Garden is located on the west side of the South Grounds, just outside the Oval Office. It has gone through several incarnations: a vegetable garden in the first part of the 19th century, a “colonial” garden in 1902, and then a rose garden in 1913. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy wanted to expand the garden for official functions and events. His idea became the Rose Garden, designed by horticulturist, gardener, and close friend of the Kennedys, Rachel Lambert Mellon. The garden was installed the following year, becoming a green theater for official ceremonies and a special place for the first family’s private enjoyment.

This photograph of the Rose Garden was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on April 6, 2015, during the Barack Obama administration. The Rose Garden is located on the west side of the South Grounds, just outside the Oval Office. It has gone through several incarnations: a vegetable garden in the first part of the 19th century, a “colonial” garden in 1902, and then a rose garden in 1913. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy wanted to expand the garden for official functions and events. His idea became the Rose Garden, designed by horticulturist, gardener, and close friend of the Kennedys, Rachel Lambert Mellon. The garden was installed the following year, becoming a green theater for official ceremonies and a special place for the first family’s private enjoyment.

This photograph of the Rose Garden was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on April 6, 2015, during the Barack Obama administration. The Rose Garden is located on the west side of the South Grounds, just outside the Oval Office. It has gone through several incarnations: a vegetable garden in the first part of the 19th century, a “colonial” garden in 1902, and then a rose garden in 1913. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy wanted to expand the garden for official functions and events. His idea became the Rose Garden, designed by horticulturist, gardener, and close friend of the Kennedys, Rachel Lambert Mellon. The garden was installed the following year, becoming a green theater for official ceremonies and a special place for the first family’s private enjoyment.

This photograph of the Rose Garden was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on April 6, 2015, during the Barack Obama administration. The Rose Garden is located on the west side of the South Grounds, just outside the Oval Office. It has gone through several incarnations: a vegetable garden in the first part of the 19th century, a “colonial” garden in 1902, and then a rose garden in 1913. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy wanted to expand the garden for official functions and events. His idea became the Rose Garden, designed by horticulturist, gardener, and close friend of the Kennedys, Rachel Lambert Mellon. The garden was installed the following year, becoming a green theater for official ceremonies and a special place for the first family’s private enjoyment.

This is the illustrated side of a holiday card that was presented to White House Executive Chef Henry Haller from First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and President Lyndon B. Johnson in December 1968. The card features an illustration by Robert Laessig of the South Grounds as seen from the South Portico, with the Jefferson Monument and Washington Monument visible in the distance. The card includes a note from the presidential couple, declaring "appreciation" and "warmest wishes" for "all the years ahead." The Johnson's 1968 holiday card marked both the passing of the holiday season as well as the end of the Johnson administration, with the inauguration of President Richard M. Nixon the following month. To see the full card, see 1128399. This card is part of a personal collection belonging to Chef Haller. In the position, Haller served five first families and their distinguished guests from 1966-1987.

This photograph presents a south view of the White House as it appeared during the mid-20th century, circa 1966-1987. The South Fountain is prominently featured. This photograph is part of a collection belonging to former White House Executive Chef Henry Hall. Haller was executive chef at the White House for over 20 years, and served every president from Lyndon B. Johnson through Ronald Reagan.

This photograph presenting a north view of the White House and the North Drive was taken in the mid-20th century, circa 1966-1987. This photograph is a part of a personal collection belonging to former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller, who served presidents Lyndon B. Johnson through Ronald Reagan.

This photograph, taken around May 1, 1969, presents a south view of the White House as seen from the South Fountain. A colorful array of tulips bloom around the South Fountain. This photograph is part of a collection belonging to former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller. Haller served as executive chef at the White House from 1966-1987.

This photograph, showing a south view of the White House, was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on December 5, 2019. For the holiday season, wreaths were hung and lights from the interior decorations, including the Blue Room Christmas Tree, were captured faintly through the windows. This photograph was taken from the Ellipse, ahead of the 97th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

This photograph, showing a south view of the White House, was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on December 5, 2019. For the holiday season, wreaths were hung and lights from the interior decorations, including the Blue Room Christmas Tree, were captured faintly through the windows. This photograph was taken from the Ellipse, ahead of the 97th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

This photograph, taken by Matthew D'Agostino on December 5, 2019, shows a flock of birds atop a tree near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building 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, 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 presents a south view of the White House at night in December 1972, during the Richard M. Nixon administration. The house is framed between foliage strung with lights, likely two decorated Christmas trees. For the holiday season, wreaths are hung from the South Portico, and garland winds down its east and west steps. The official White House Christmas Tree can also be seen through the window of the Blue Room, in the center of the State Floor.

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.