Image description: In June 2011, First Lady Michelle Obama met with Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, at Mandela’s home in Houghton, South Africa.
The photo is part of Pete Souza’s picks for the year 2011 in images. Pete Souza is the Chief Official White House Photographer and Director of the White House Photography Office. View all of his 2011 photo selections.
Photo by Samantha Appleton, White House
Image description: Last night President Barack Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Marian Robinson lit the National Christmas Tree during a ceremony on the Ellipse in Washington, DC.
View more photos of holidays at the White House.
Photos by Chuck Kennedy and Lawrence Jackson, the White House
Learn about the roles and responsibilities of a White House intern and apply for the program.
Image description: Guinness Book of World Records holder John Cassidy performs a balloon act for First Lady Michelle Obama in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House. Cassidy performed for kids on the South Lawn before the First Lady launched a challenge to break the Guinness World Records title for the most people doing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period.
Official White House photo by Chuck Kennedy
In 1792, the cornerstone of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was laid. For over 200 years, the home of our presidents has made it through fires, structural renovations, and a constant rotation of inhabitants and decorators.
Check out this comparison view of The White House before and after a controversial update was installed - the balcony of the South Portico.
When President Truman arrived at the White House, awnings were used to shade the south side. Truman believed that a balcony would add space and grace, and consulted with architects to install one. Traditionalists cried foul, and political cartoons lampooned Truman for his choice. Nonetheless, when the addition was completed in 1948, it was widely agreed that the “Truman Balcony” was an improvement after all.
-from the Truman Library
What do you think of this White House renovation?
