• "Resurrection" in the Vermeil Room
    Matthew D’Agostino
    winter holidays
    painting
    decorations
    abstract art
    Vermeil Room
    Ground Floor
    Titled "Resurrection," this acrylic and graphite on canvas painting was done by Alma Thomas in 1966, who was an educator and artist in Washington, D.C. for most of her career. She was a member of the Washington Color School. This painting was unveiled as part of the White House Collection during Black History Month 2015 and is the first in this collection by an African American woman. This photograph shows the painting on display in the Vermeil Room, during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations on November 30, 2020. The holiday theme for 2020 was “America the Beautiful,” which celebrated the natural wonders of the American landscape. Selected by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House decorations also paid tribute to the courage and resilience of frontline workers, members of the military, and other American heroes. In 2020, American frontline and essential workers faced unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • "Resurrection" in the Vermeil Room
    Matthew D’Agostino
    winter holidays
    painting
    decorations
    abstract art
    Vermeil Room
    Ground Floor
    Titled "Resurrection," this acrylic and graphite on canvas painting was done by Alma Thomas in 1966, who was an educator and artist in Washington, D.C. for most of her career. She was a member of the Washington Color School. This painting was unveiled as part of the White House Collection during Black History Month 2015 and is the first in this collection by an African American woman. This photograph shows the painting on display in the Vermeil Room, during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations on November 30, 2020. The holiday theme for 2020 was “America the Beautiful,” which celebrated the natural wonders of the American landscape. Selected by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House decorations also paid tribute to the courage and resilience of frontline workers, members of the military, and other American heroes. In 2020, American frontline and essential workers faced unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • "Resurrection" in the Vermeil Room
    Matthew D’Agostino
    winter holidays
    painting
    decorations
    abstract art
    Vermeil Room
    Ground Floor
    Titled "Resurrection," this acrylic and graphite on canvas painting was done by Alma Thomas in 1966, who was an educator and artist in Washington, D.C. for most of her career. She was a member of the Washington Color School. This painting was unveiled as part of the White House Collection during Black History Month 2015 and is the first in this collection by an African American woman. This photograph shows the painting on display in the Vermeil Room, during a press preview of the White House holiday decorations on November 30, 2020. The holiday theme for 2020 was “America the Beautiful,” which celebrated the natural wonders of the American landscape. Selected by First Lady Melania Trump, the White House decorations also paid tribute to the courage and resilience of frontline workers, members of the military, and other American heroes. In 2020, American frontline and essential workers faced unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Holiday Card from President and Mrs. Johnson, 1968
    White House Calligraphy Office
    south view
    print
    holidays
    South Lawn
    Christmas
    Washington Monument
    Jefferson Memorial
    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.
  • Holiday Card from President and Mrs. Johnson, 1967
    White House Calligraphy Office
    Christmas
    holidays
    Blue Room
    State Floor
    print
    This is the interior of a Christmas card that was presented to White House Executive Chef Henry Haller from First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and President Lyndon B. Johnson in December 1967. This was Haller's second Christmas at the White House, though he was to remain executive chef until 1987. The card features an illustration by Robert Laessig of the official White House Christmas tree, positioned in its traditional spot in the center of the Blue Room. The back of the card discusses the tradition of Christmas trees in the White House. To view the card in its entirety, see 1128401. 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.
  • 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.
  • Close Up, East Room Crèche
    Otis Imboden
    holidays
    State Floor
    East Room
    Christmas
    creche
    This photograph, taken in December 1971, shows the 18th century crèche (or nativity scene) on display in the East Room during the Richard M. Nixon administration. The crèche was donated to the White House Collection by Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard, Jr. of Far Hills, New Jersey in 1967. The donation included 39 hand-painted figurines. The 14 foot tall crèche setting display was built by Tony Award-winning stage designer Donald Oenslager, with mechanisms for annual disassembly.
  • Close Up, East Room Crèche
    Otis Imboden
    holidays
    State Floor
    East Room
    Christmas
    creche
    This photograph, taken in December 1971, shows the 18th century crèche (or nativity scene) on display in the East Room during the Richard M. Nixon administration. The crèche was donated to the White House Collection by Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard, Jr. of Far Hills, New Jersey in 1967. The donation included 39 hand-painted figurines. The 14 foot tall crèche setting display was built by Tony Award-winning stage designer Donald Oenslager, with mechanisms for annual disassembly.
  • Crèche on Display in the East Room
    Otis Imboden
    holidays
    State Floor
    East Room
    Christmas
    creche
    This photograph, taken in December 1971, shows the 18th century crèche (or nativity scene) on display in the East Room during the Richard M. Nixon administration. The crèche was donated to the White House Collection by Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard, Jr. of Far Hills, New Jersey in 1967. The donation included 39 hand-painted figurines. The 14 foot tall crèche setting display was built by Tony Award-winning stage designer Donald Oenslager, with mechanisms for annual disassembly.
  • Crèche on Display in the East Room
    Otis Imboden
    holidays
    State Floor
    East Room
    Christmas
    creche
    This photograph, taken in December 1971, shows the 18th century crèche (or nativity scene) on display in the East Room during the Richard M. Nixon administration. The crèche was donated to the White House Collection by Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard, Jr. of Far Hills, New Jersey in 1967. The donation included 39 hand-painted figurines. The 14 foot tall crèche setting display was built by Tony Award-winning stage designer Donald Oenslager, with mechanisms for annual disassembly.
  • Crèche on Display in the East Room
    Otis Imboden
    holidays
    State Floor
    East Room
    Christmas
    creche
    This photograph, taken in December 1971, shows the 18th century crèche (or nativity scene) on display in the East Room during the Richard M. Nixon administration. The crèche was donated to the White House Collection by Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard, Jr. of Far Hills, New Jersey in 1967. The donation included 39 hand-painted figurines. The 14 foot tall crèche setting display was built by Tony Award-winning stage designer Donald Oenslager, with mechanisms for annual disassembly.
  • Crèche on Display in the East Room
    Otis Imboden
    holidays
    State Floor
    East Room
    Christmas
    creche
    This photograph, taken in December 1971, shows the 18th century crèche (or nativity scene) on display in the East Room during the Richard M. Nixon administration. The crèche was donated to the White House Collection by Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard, Jr. of Far Hills, New Jersey in 1967. The donation included 39 hand-painted figurines. The 14 foot tall crèche setting display was built by Tony Award-winning stage designer Donald Oenslager, with mechanisms for annual disassembly.
  • East Room Crèche, 1969
    Joseph J. Scherschel
    winter holidays
    decorations
    State Floor
    East Room
    Christmas
    crèche
    This photograph shows the crèche, or nativity scene, included as part of the White House holiday decorations for the 1969 Christmas season. The 18th-century crèche was gifted to the White House in 1967 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Engelhard of Fall Hills, New Jersey. During the holiday season, the crèche is usually displayed in the East Room. This photograph was taken in December 1969 by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel.
  • East Room Crèche, 1969
    Joseph J. Scherschel
    winter holidays
    decorations
    State Floor
    East Room
    Christmas
    crèche
    This photograph shows the crèche, or nativity scene, included as part of the White House holiday decorations for the 1969 Christmas season. The 18th-century crèche was gifted to the White House in 1967 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Engelhard of Fall Hills, New Jersey. During the holiday season, the crèche is usually displayed in the East Room. This photograph was taken in December 1969 by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel.
  • East Room Crèche, 1969
    Joseph J. Scherschel
    winter holidays
    decorations
    State Floor
    East Room
    Christmas
    crèche
    This photograph shows the crèche, or nativity scene, included as part of the White House holiday decorations for the 1969 Christmas season. The 18th-century crèche was gifted to the White House in 1967 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Engelhard of Fall Hills, New Jersey. During the holiday season, the crèche is usually displayed in the East Room. This photograph was taken in December 1969 by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel.
  • East Room Crèche, 1969
    Joseph J. Scherschel
    winter holidays
    decorations
    State Floor
    East Room
    Christmas
    crèche
    This photograph shows the crèche, or nativity scene, included as part of the White House holiday decorations for the 1969 Christmas season. The 18th-century crèche was gifted to the White House in 1967 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Engelhard of Fall Hills, New Jersey. During the holiday season, the crèche is usually displayed in the East Room. This photograph was taken in December 1969 by National Geographic photographer Joseph J. Scherschel.
  • President Eisenhower Feeds a Turkey
    Unknown
    Thanksgiving
    holidays
    In this photograph, President Dwight D. Eisenhower feeds a cranberry to a turkey he received from the Poultry and Egg National Board and the National Turkey Federation. The presentation occurred in the West Garden, which is now the Rose Garden. Presidents and their families have received turkeys for the holidays since the 1870s. The origin of the turkey pardon is said to have started with President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, after he offered a clemency to a turkey purchased for Christmas dinner at his son's request. However, the pardoning of a Thanksgiving turkey became a formalized tradition during the Ronald Reagan administration.
  • Marine Band
    Barbara Gibson
    entertainment
    military
    holidays
    watercolor
    U.S. Marine Band
    This watercolor was painted in 2001 by Barbara Gibson. The Gibson's composition shows famous American composer and conductor John Philip Sousa conducting the U.S. Marine Band in 1889, during the Benjamin Harrison administration. Sousa is renowned for his famous marches including "The Stars and Stripes Forever", "Semper Fidelis", and "The Washington Post."