The Return of the Chief

Gallery

1 of 4

Many hands carefully hoist the Frank G. Cootes portrait of President Woodrow Wilson into position over the mantel in the Red Room on March 20, 1952.
Harry S. Truman Library Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
2 of 4

With the White House renovation complete, workers have just finished planting new tulip beds around the fountain on the north side of the mansion on March 25, 1952.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum/NARA/National Park Service
Show Me More
3 of 4

On March 27, 1952, President Harry Truman and First Lady Bess Truman prepare to reoccupy the White House following its renovation. From left to right, Charles K. Clauch, Usher; President Harry S. Truman; Howell G. Crim, Chief Usher; First Lady Elizabeth Truman; Alonzo Fields, Maitre d'hotel; and J.B. West, Usher. At far right, William Kelly, Project Manager, Public Buildings, and Jess Larson, General Services Administration, admire the ceremonial White House key they are about to present to the president.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
4 of 4

As moving vans deliver furnishings for the inside of the Presidents house, employees of the National Capital Parks place new sod on the south lawn on March 18, 1952.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum/NARA/National Park Service
Show Me More

About this Gallery

On the evening of March 27, 1952, in a small ceremony at the entrance door, President Truman received a gold key to the newly renovated White House. After spending more than three years living in the smaller quarters of the Blair House across the street, the first family returned to the mansion for their first night back in residence. It was both the same house they had left three years earlier and a new and larger home as well. Its original 48 rooms had expanded to 54, not including two entirely new sub-basement levels containing service areas and other support facilities.

In a live television special, the president proudly toured the renovated house, telling of events in its history. President Truman's renovation was the most radical in the history of the White House. His goal was to rebuild the house for all time. It remains today, redecorated, but essentially as he left it.