FIRST CURATOR OF THE WHITE HOUSE NAMED BY MRS. KENNEDY
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 29, 1961, First Lady Mrs. John F. Kennedy named Lorraine Waxman Pearce of Delaware to be the first Curator* of the White House. Pearce, a graduate of the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture, would work with the newly created White House Fine Arts Committee.
The First Lady, displeased with the lack of period furnishings in the mansion, launched the program of restoration. She reportedly said that it appeared that the Executive Mansion had been furnished by discount stores. Mrs. Kennedy sought to acquire historically correct, museum-quality pieces.
Mrs. Kennedy and Curator Pearce jointly supervised the most extensive renovation of the President's home since following the burning of the mansion by the British during the War of 1812. Mrs. Kennedy hosted a televised "Tour of the White House" in February 1962. On the program, the First Lady displayed much of the work that had been done to achieve her goals.
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 29, 1961, First Lady Mrs. John F. Kennedy named Lorraine Waxman Pearce of Delaware to be the first Curator* of the White House. Pearce, a graduate of the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture, would work with the newly created White House Fine Arts Committee.
The First Lady, displeased with the lack of period furnishings in the mansion, launched the program of restoration. She reportedly said that it appeared that the Executive Mansion had been furnished by discount stores. Mrs. Kennedy sought to acquire historically correct, museum-quality pieces.
Mrs. Kennedy and Curator Pearce jointly supervised the most extensive renovation of the President's home since following the burning of the mansion by the British during the War of 1812. Mrs. Kennedy hosted a televised "Tour of the White House" in February 1962. On the program, the First Lady displayed much of the work that had been done to achieve her goals.
*The Office of the Curator (1961-present) is charged with the conservation & study of the collection of fine art, furniture & decorative objects used to furnish the White House. Subsequent Curators were William Voss Elden III, James R. Ketchum, Clement Conger, Rex Scouten, Betty C. Monkman & William G. Allman.
Green & Red Rooms
The White House Tour
Photos by John White (2017)
