Christmas Party for Children of Diplomats, 1977

This photograph was taken by National Geographic photographer Joseph H. Bailey on December 14, 1977, during a Christmas party hosted by First Lady Rosalynn Carter for the children of the Diplomatic Corps. The party was coordinated by THIS (The Hospitality and Information Service) for Diplomats, a volunteer organization established in 1961 to support newly appointed diplomats and their families transition to life in Washington, D.C. Over 400 children attended the party, where they enjoyed a performance of "The Littlest Clown" by the Broadway Pixie Judy Troupe, a family theater company founded by Judith Ann Abrams in 1965. During the production, first daughter Amy Carter was invited onto the East Room stage and dressed as a clown. In this photograph, members of the theater company including Judith Ann Abrams gesture triumphantly toward Amy Carter, who is seated onstage in her costume.