Video The Honor of Your Presence
The United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing is known for the production of United States paper currency. However, over...
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This is a silver gelatin print of the Yellow Oval Room decorated for Christmas taken by Frank Boteler, ca. 1896. The Yellow Oval Room was used as a library/sitting room during the Cleveland Administration. This is one of the earliest known images of a White House Christmas tree, it is also one of the first photographs of an electronically illuminated Christmas tree. The small, but spectacularly decorated tree is surrounded by children's toys.
White House Historical AssociationThis photograph by George F. Mobley shows President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy attending the White House staff Christmas reception. The reception took place on December 12, 1962 in the Entrance Hall of the White House. This would be their last Christmas celebration in the White House.
White House Historical AssociationWhite House Blue Room Christmas Trees by State of Origin Since 1961
Types of Blue Room Christmas Trees by Number of Occurrences Since 19611
President Calvin Coolidge was the first chief executive to preside over the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony, doing so on the Ellipse in 1923. Today, the Christmas Pageant of Peace, held there annually since 1954, includes the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. This interdenominational celebration features the appearance of the first family for the lighting, as well as musical and dance performances.
1 Includes Christmas 2015. Although previous presidential administrations displayed Christmas trees indoors, it was First Lady Mamie Eisenhower who consistently placed a tree in the Blue Room and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy who established the tradition of selecting a decorative theme for the Blue Room Christmas tree in 1961. The Blue Room tree tradition was interrupted twice. In 1962, the tree was moved to the Entrance Hall because of renovation work. In 1969, First Lady Patricia Nixon chose to display the tree in the Entrance Hall to make it more visible.
For all media inquiries and image requests, contact press@whha.org.
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $50 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.
To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.
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