• Holiday Card from President and Mrs. Johnson, 1966
    White House Calligraphy Office
    Christmas
    North Drive
    North Portico
    holidays
    north view
    print
    North Grounds
    This Christmas card was presented to White House Executive Chef Henry Haller from First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and President Lyndon B. Johnson in December 1966. This was Haller's first Christmas at the White House, though he was to remain as executive chef until 1987. The card features an illustration by Robert Laessig of the North Portico, festively decorated for the holidays. The opposite side of the card includes a description of the American Elm tree featured in the illustration, which was planted by President Woodrow Wilson in December 1913. To view the card in its entirety, see 1128398. 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.
  • The President's House
    George Munger
    North View
    This watercolor by artist George Munger depicts the burned-out shell of the White after it was destroyed by British troops on August 24, 1814. The painting shows the once elegant and imposing house standing alone in the landscape, a vivid reminder of the destruction and that the capital city was still in its infancy. A curious element of the work is the S-curved shape above the near corner of the roof. It is believed to be part of metallic conductor that encircled the roof that functioned as lighting protection system.
  • Flag Raising at the White House, June 29, 1861
    Alfred R. Waud
    north view
    This sketch drawing by artist Alfred R. Waud captures the military ceremony honoring President Abraham Lincoln with the dedication of Lincoln's flagpole. The ceremony took place on the South Grounds of the White House on June 29, 1861. The event is believed to have been used as a sign of solidarity in the early days of the Civil War.
  • Fourth of July
    Patricia Palermino
    fireworks
    4th of July
    Washington, D.C.
    north view
    American folk art
    flags
    This painting of the White House on the Fourth of July by American folk artist Patricia Palermino was painted in 1985. Standing under the high pillars of the North Portico are the President and First Lady greeting a parade marching down Pennsylvania Avenue and celebrations across the North Lawn.