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Capturing History: The Legacy of White House Photographers

Gallery

  • Capturing History: The Legacy of White House Photographers - Photo 3

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    This is a photograph of the famous Louis Comfort Tiffany Screen in the White House Entrance Hall by Frances Benjamin Johnston.

    Library of Congress
  • Baby McKee and "His Whiskers"

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    This is a photograph of Benjamin Harrison McKee, affectionately nicknamed "Baby McKee" by the press, holding the reigns of "His Whiskers," a goat presented to him by his grandfather President Benjamin Harrison. Also pictured from left to right are his uncle, Russell Harrison, son of the president, Russell's daughter Marthena Harrison, the dog Jack, and sister Mary Lodge McKee.

    Library of Congress
  • Alice Roosevelt in the White House Conservatory

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    This portrait photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston shows Alice Roosevelt, daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, in the White House conservatory. The conservatories were removed in 1902 to build the West Wing.

    Library of Congress
  • President Wilson's Sheep

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    This photograph by National Photo Company shows President Woodrow Wilson's sheep grazing on the South Lawn of the White House. Instead of using groundskeepers to cut the grass, the sheep grazed on the White House lawns. The flock grew to 48 at its peak. The wool sheared from the sheep was sold at auction to raise money for the Red Cross.

    Library of Congress
  • Truman's East Room Renovation

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    This photograph by Abbie Rowe of the National Park Service shows the gutted East Room during the Truman renovation of the White House from 1948-1952.

    Abbie Rowe, National Park Service
  • Eisenhowers with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip

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    In this photograph by Abbie Rowe, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, pose at the bottom of the Grand Staircase before a State Dinner on October 17, 1957.

    National Archives and Records Administration
  • President Kennedy with John F. Kennedy, Jr.

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    President John F. Kennedy and his son, John F. Kennedy, Jr., play with a toy horse outside the Oval Office along the West Colonnade. This picture was taken by photographer Cecil Stoughton.

    John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
  • Lyndon Johnson Takes the Oath of Office Following the Assassination of President Kennedy

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    This black-and-white photograph by Cecil Stoughton shows Lyndon Johnson taking the oath of office aboard Air Force One in Dallas, Texas, shortly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Lady Bird Johnson stands to Johnson’s right, while First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy looks on from his left.

    Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

About this Gallery

Photographs have the ability to transcend time, capturing greater historical context and detail that other sources may omit. The work of Frances B. Johnston, Abbie Rowe, Cecil Stoughton, and the numerous other White House photographers have created an invaluable archive for the American public. These photos shape our view of the past, and also allow us to reflect on our future and the history happening in the photos we take now.

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