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Jackie’s White House

Jackie’s thoughtful restoration of the White House.

07.4.2019

Jackie’s White House
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy holds a silver pitcher presented as a gift for the White House by James Hoban Alexander. Diplomatic Reception Room, White House, Washington, DC. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

There are few things as intrinsic to the American psyche as the Kennedy family. As politicians undoubtedly, but as style icons in a most ubiquitous way. A less regarded part of the Kennedy oeuvre is that of Jackie’s deeply thoughtful restoration of the White House during her husband’s presidential years (1961-1963). Artwork and antiques originally commissioned for the home were returned from museums and collectors nationwide on behalf of her petitions. Interior schemes and architectural details were restored to their original intention, and throughout this process the doors were opened to the American people. Under Jackie’s direction, the White House Historical Society was formed, and the grounds were dedicated as a national museum. This meant no future president could undermine the meticulous restorative work she undertook – the spirit of the home became protected by congressional oversite. Thanks to Jackie, the White House assumed its righteous role as the people’s house for all future generations. As we celebrate our nation on this 4th, this is exactly the sort of sentiment we choose to honor. Thank you, Jackie, for your style, your graciousness, and your respect.

The images here are from various sources, the most prominent of which is the JFK Library. They carefully documented the restoration process (you’ll see before and after photos here), the televised tours Jackie gave along the way, and the day to day activity of restoring the home behind the scenes. We’re particularly partial to the table settings you’ll find in the archives – the flowers! The cigarettes in a gold cup! It was so, so good.

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy holds a silver pitcher presented as a gift for the White House by James Hoban Alexander. Diplomatic Reception Room, White House, Washington, DC. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy holds a silver pitcher presented as a gift for the White House by James Hoban Alexander. Diplomatic Reception Room, White House, Washington, DC. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
LIFE Magazine Cover, 1961.
LIFE Magazine Cover, 1961.
Memo from Jacqueline Kennedy to Press Secretary Peter Salinger regarding fabrics for the Blue and Green Rooms. Document courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Memo from Jacqueline Kennedy to Press Secretary Peter Salinger regarding fabrics for the Blue and Green Rooms. Document courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Mission of the White House Restoration Project. Document courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Mission of the White House Restoration Project. Document courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Upholstery Shop. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Upholstery Shop. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Curator’s Office. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Curator’s Office. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
China Room During Restoration. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
China Room During Restoration. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Treaty Room During Restoration. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Treaty Room During Restoration. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Vermeil Room During Restoration. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Vermeil Room During Restoration. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Vermeil Room After Restoration. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Vermeil Room After Restoration. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Blue Room Before Restoration. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Blue Room Before Restoration. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Blue Room After Restoration. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Blue Room After Restoration. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Cross Hall. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Cross Hall. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Red Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Red Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Yellow Oval Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Yellow Oval Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
President’s Dining Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
President’s Dining Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Table Settings and Floral Arrangements for Dinner in Honor of the King of Morocco, Hassan II in 1963. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Table Settings and Floral Arrangements for Dinner in Honor of the King of Morocco, Hassan II in 1963. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
East Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
East Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
First Lady’s Bedroom. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
First Lady’s Bedroom. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
First Lady’s Bedroom. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
First Lady’s Bedroom. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
First Lady’s Dressing Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
First Lady’s Dressing Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Empire Guest Bedroom. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Empire Guest Bedroom. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Toile Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Toile Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Renovated Swimming Pool. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Renovated Swimming Pool. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Family Theater Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Family Theater Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Situation Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Situation Room. Photo courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.