In this photograph from May 1962, a photographer, possibly George F. Mobley of the National Geographic Service, ascends the ladder of a firetruck parked on Pennsylvania Avenue to capture an aerial view of the White House. The photo session was for the cover of the fourth edition of "The White House: An Historic Guide" a publication released by the White House Historical Association that serves a companion book for tours of the White House, providing history of the rooms, architecture, and furniture. This photograph was taken from Lafayette Square, just north of the White House.

This photograph, taken by Joyce N. Boghosian on September 11, 2020, shows the American flag atop the White House flown at half-staff in observance of Patriot Day. In 2002, President George W. Bush designated September 11th as Patriot Day, a time that has been recognized through presidential proclamations as a national day of remembrance, prayer, and service. Presidents and first ladies typically commemorate the day through moment of silence observations on the White House South Lawn, and by attending remembrance ceremonies at sites affected by the terrorist attacks.

This photograph, taken by Joyce N. Boghosian on September 11, 2020, shows the American flag atop the White House flown at half-staff in observance of Patriot Day. In 2002, President George W. Bush designated September 11th as Patriot Day, a time that has been recognized through presidential proclamations as a national day of remembrance, prayer, and service. Presidents and first ladies typically commemorate the day through moment of silence observations on the White House South Lawn, and by attending remembrance ceremonies at sites affected by the terrorist attacks.

This plan suggested a proposed expansion for the Executive Mansion attributed to First Lady Caroline Harrison around 1891. Compiled and drawn by architect Frederick Dale Owen, the plan proposes the addition of a private central court enclosed by historic and official wings as well as a series of greenhouses and conservatories housing palm gardens and a lily pond. While this proposal never came to be realized, the plan anticipates President Theodore Roosevelt's construction of the East and West Wings in 1902.

This photograph taken on April 21, 1962 by Robert L. Knudsen depicts aerial views of Washington, D. C., showing parts of the city during the John F. Kennedy administration. At the time, Washington Monument was separated from the Lincoln Memorial by the “tempos” —temporary buildings—erected during World War II. The foreground features the Smithsonian Institution's Castle, Arts and Industries Building, National Museum of Natural History, and the construction site of the Museum of History and Technology, which was renamed the National Museum of American History in 1980.

This photograph taken on April 21, 1962, by Robert L. Knudsen depicts aerial views of Washington, D. C. showing parts of the city during the John F. Kennedy administration. The White House is visible toward the upper right corner of the picture. The foreground features the Smithsonian Institution's Castle, Arts and Industries Building, National Museum of Natural History, and the construction site of the Museum of History and Technology, which was renamed the National Museum of American History in 1980.

This photograph is of the sign at the visitors' entrance where tourists queued for public tours. The image was taken by Robert Knudsen on February 8, 1962 during the John F. Kennedy administration.

This photograph of the Rose Garden was taken by Robert L. Knudsen on July 13, 1962, during the John F. Kennedy 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 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 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 shows the Rose Garden after Rachel Lambert Mellon oversaw its installation.

This color photograph by Jack E. Boucher was taken from inside the White House through the window above the north entrance. The fountain on the North Lawn and Lafayette Square can both be seen through the North Portico columns. Boucher served as chief photographer for the National Park Service's Historic American Buildings Survey. He spent four decades documenting hundreds of historic buildings, including the White House.

In this photograph from May 1962, a photographer, possibly George F. Mobley of the National Geographic Service, ascends the ladder of a firetruck parked on Pennsylvania Avenue to capture an aerial view of the White House. The photo session was for the cover of the fourth edition of "The White House: An Historic Guide," a publication released by the White House Historical Association that serves a companion book for tours of the White House, providing history of the rooms, architecture, and furniture.