Main Content

Inside the White House: Stories from the World's Most Famous Residence

Gallery

  • Reframing of Gilbert Stuart's George Washington portrait

    1 of 13

    Gilbert Stuart's 1797 portrait of George Washington was taken down from the East Room wall in 2004 and reframed to better preserve it.

    White House Historical Association

    Show Me More

  • White House After a Snowstorm

    2 of 13

    The White House blanketed in snow after a snowstorm on the morning of Feb. 3, 2010.

    Official White House photo by Pete Souza

    Show Me More

  • Carving of the White House

    3 of 13

    The intricate carving of roses and acorns on the North Door surrounding and above the north portal reflects the skill of Scottish stonemasons who worked on the White House. The carvings were completed about 1796.

    White House Historical Association

    Show Me More

  • Treasures of the White House: Monroe Plateau

    4 of 13

    As part of the refurnishing of the White House after the fire of 1814, President James Monroe ordered for the dining room a large gilded bronze plateau—a removable tabletop—that is still used today.

    White House Historical Association

    Show Me More

  • A State Dinner in honor of Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany

    5 of 13

    First Lady Michelle Obama thanks the chefs for their work on the state dinner for German Chancellor Angela Merkel held in the Rose Garden in 2011. Colored lights projected above the guests created the intricate design on the west wall of the White House.

    Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

    Show Me More

  • President Kennedy Cuban Missile Crisis Press Conference

    6 of 13

    Photographers crowd President John F. Kennedy for a close-up during a briefing in the Oval Office in 1962, at the time of the Cuban missile crisis.

    Robert Knudsen, White House/John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

    Show Me More

  • First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy at Taj Mahal

    7 of 13

    First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy poses in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, during a diplomatic goodwill trip to Pakistan and India in 1962.

    White House Photographs, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

    Show Me More

  • President Harrison's Cook

    8 of 13

    Kentucky-born cook Dolly Johnson photographed in the small family kitchen, ca. 1893. Johnson came to the White House in 1889, with the Benjamin Harrison family and stayed through four presidential administrations.

    Library of Congress

    Show Me More

  • President Richard Nixon Bowling at the Executive Office Building in 1970

    9 of 13

    President Richard Nixon rolls the ball toward the pins in the Old Executive Office Building bowling alley. The Nixons had a one-lane bowling alley built at the White House in 1969.

    National Archives

    Show Me More

  • President Obama watching the Super Bowl in 2009

    10 of 13

    President Barack Obama holds 3-D glasses while watching the Super Bowl game at a Super Bowl Party in the family theater of the White House, Feb. 1, 2009 .

    Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

    Show Me More

  • Mrs. Coolidge and Her Pet Raccoon

    11 of 13

    First Lady Grace Coolidge holds her pet raccoon, Rebecca, which she took on walks with a leash.

    Library of Congress, National Photo Company Collection

    Show Me More

  • Presidential Limousine at the South Portico

    12 of 13

    The South Portico of the White House is reflected on the hood of the presidential limousine, prior to President Barack Obama's departure for the Human Rights Campaign dinner, Oct. 10, 2009.

    Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy

    Show Me More

  • Suffrage Protester Outside the White House

    13 of 13

    Suffragist Alison Turnbull Hopkins holds a protest banner at the northwest gate of the White House, c. 1917.

    Library of Congress

    Show Me More

About this Gallery

In collaboration with the White House Historical Association, National Geographic offers INSIDE THE WHITE HOUSE: Stories from the World's Most Famous Residence (National Geographic Books; hardcover; $40). With a foreword by former First Lady Laura Bush and an introduction by historian and author William Seale, the book presents a vivid account of the people who have lived and worked in this symbolic building and highlights many of the fascinating events that have taken place there. The book also includes an illustrated gallery of the official portraits of all of the presidents and first ladies and a full index.

The book, by Noel Grove with William B. Bushong and Joel D. Treese, opens the doors to America's most famous home through images, anecdotes and records that describe life within its walls. The world of the White House is presented by theme, including the building and its architecture; its 18 acres of gardens and grounds; the West Wing; first ladies; entertaining, celebrating and the holidays; the working White House; at home in the White House; diplomacy and ceremony; and innovations and technology. The stories and insights allow readers to share the excitement and stresses that come with the job of being president or his support staff.

Share

Related

Related
Next The 2023 White House Christmas Ornament

You Might Also Like

  • Collection

    The 2023 White House Christmas Ornament

    Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament. These unique collectibles — honoring individual presidents or specific White House anniversaries — have become part of the holiday tradition for millions of American families. In this collection, explore the history behind our 2023 design and learn more about President Gerald R. Ford. Buy

  • Podcast

    The History of Wine and the White House

    Featuring Frederick J. Ryan, author of “Wine and the White House: A History" and member of the White House Historical Association’s National Council on White House History

  • Collection

    The Carter White House 1977 - 1981

    On January 20, 1977, Jimmy Carter was inaugurated as the thirty-ninth president of the United States. During his time in the White House (1977–81), President Carter made many decisions guided by his fundamental commitment to peace and democratic values, emphasizing human and civil rights above all else. Putting these ideals into practice, President Carter negotiated the Camp David Accords, secured the release of Am

  • Collection

    The 2024 White House Christmas Ornament

    Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament. These unique collectibles — honoring individual presidents or specific White House anniversaries — have become part of the holiday tradition for millions of American families. In this collection, explore the history behind our 2024 design and learn more about President Jimmy Carter. Buy the