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In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of selecting a theme for the official White House Christmas tree. She decorated a tree placed in the oval Blue Room with ornamental toys, birds and angels modeled after Pyotr Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" ballet. Mrs. Kennedy reused these ornaments in 1962 for her children's theme tree. Set up in the North Entrance, this festive tree also featured brightly wrapped packages, candy canes, gingerbread cookies and straw ornaments made by disabled or senior citizen craftspeople throughout the United States.
The Kennedys' 1961 Christmas card.
The Kennedys, 1961
The Kennedys' 1962 Christmas card.
The Kennedys, 1962.
The first White House guidebook was published in 1962 as a collaboration between First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, the new White House...
On February 23, 1961, Jacqueline Kennedy launched the most historic and celebrated redesign of the White House in its history. In this...
Since 1981, the White House Historical Association has created the Official White House Christmas Ornament. Collecting and gifting these unique ornaments...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
Many people approach the decor of their homes as a reflection of oneself. But what happens when a home's interior...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
The collection of fine art at the White House has evolved and grown over time. The collection began with mostly...
On November 22, 1963, about two hours after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson took the...
Biographies & Portraits
Biographies & Portraits
It was President Thomas Jefferson who first established the traditions of a Fourth of July celebration at the White House....
For the 2015 holiday season, the White House Historical Association has paired with HGTV Star Genevieve Gorder to bring you our 2015...