Collection Art in the White House
The collection of fine art at the White House has evolved and grown over time. The collection began with mostly...
Main Content
This portrait of Thomas Jefferson was painted by John Trumbull in 1788, in the wake of the American Revolution and just before George Washington became the first president of the United States. Trumbull originally visited Jefferson in Paris, where he served as minster to France, and painted his portrait directly into a painting depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Trumbull copied this individual portrait from that painting. This portrait was later part of the National Gallery of Art's June 5-September 6, 1976 exhibition, The Eye of Thomas Jefferson, and was then given to the White House Collection as a bicentennial gift by the Italian government. The author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson served as president from March 4, 1801 until March 4, 1809.
The collection of fine art at the White House has evolved and grown over time. The collection began with mostly...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
For two hundred years, Decatur House has stood as a near neighbor to the White House across Lafayette Square. Stewart...
The White House Grounds began as approximately 85 acres of land chosen by George Washington and was refined and cultivated by...
Who takes care of the thousands of historic artifacts in the White House, cataloguing and preserving everything from presidential portraits...
President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s advocacy for the arts endures as a vital part of th...
Portrait artists have captured the image and personality of our presidents throughout history, providing a record of their time in...
In April 1789, George Washington took the oath of office in New York City. Constitutional guidelines for inaugurations are sparse, offering...
On July 11, 1798, Congress passed legislation that created the United States Marine Corps and the Marine Band, America's oldest professional musical...
It was President Thomas Jefferson who first established the traditions of a Fourth of July celebration at the White House....
Animals, whether pampered household pets, working livestock, birds, squirrels, or strays, have long been a major part of White House...
Biographies & Portraits