About the White House Historical Association

The White House Historical Association is a private non-profit educational organization with a mission to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the Executive Mansion. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy founded the Association in 1961 to help the White House collect and exhibit the best examples of American art and decorative arts of American history and culture. Today, our acquisition, preservation, research, and education efforts continue through generous private donations and the sale of our books, products, and the official White House Ornament. 

In March 2016, the Association launched a Digital Library to share our extensive collection of materials covering more than 200 years of White House history. The Library includes images of the fine and decorative arts that are or have been in the building, as well as historical photographs and drawings of the interior rooms and exterior views of the House.

Entries in the Digital Library are accompanied by detailed information that offers the public background and insight about these extraordinary holdings. The Association works closely with the Office of the Curator of the White House to ensure the accuracy of these details. No other online resource provides such high-quality images and in-depth research about the history of the White House and the people who lived and worked there.

The Digital Library is constantly growing and adding new materials. All registered users of the Library are able to download a small, low-resolution version of any image for personal or educational use free of charge. High-resolution images may also be purchased for editorial purposes through the Library. Creating an account is free and takes minutes. See the Digital Library's home page for more information and to create an account.