President Ford with Girl Scout Camille Deppe and Boy Scout James Williams
This photograph by Ricardo Thomas is of President Gerald R. Ford standing with Girl Scout Camille Deppe and Boy Scout James Williams in front of the recently lit National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse on December 17, 1974. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is a cherished holiday tradition in Washington, D.C. When President Calvin Coolidge lit the first tree in 1923, the celebration attracted more than 6,000 spectators. The opening ceremony and nightly holiday concerts have annually drawn hundreds of attendees.
Photographer
Ricardo Thomas
Date of Work
December 17, 1974
Type
Photograph
Credit
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
The White House Historical Association in partnership with The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress presents the 2023 Symposium “The White House in Popular Culture.” This all-day event is open to the public and will discuss the intersection of popular culture and the White House through the topics of comics and cartoons, television, and movies.
Further information and the
Many of the world's finest performing artists have shared the White House stage with the Marine Band. Great tenors and divas, maestros and virtuosos, Broadway stars and jazz greats have all become part of the social history of the White House.
Music is often called the universal language. It has been known to break down barriers and shape historic events in a way no other form of art can. The White House has played host to a diverse selection of historic performances since it became the home of the president and first family in 1800. From performances by the "President's Own" United