Existing comment:
Preserving White House History
The White House is a living museum housing remarkable works of art and extraordinary examples of fine craftsmanship. Its collection includes priceless historical artifacts reflecting more than 200 years of the American presidency.
During the 1800s, many White House furnishings and decorations were sold and discarded. Concern about preserving the historic nature of the house started growing in the late 1800s when first ladies began collecting tableware used by their predecessors. In the 1960s, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy (1961-63) established a more formal museum program at the White House. Successive administrations have continued to expand the White House holdings into one of the country's best collections of American fine and decorative arts. |