Enhancing Understanding, Appreciation, and Enjoyment

In 2020, the Association continued to fulfill its mission to increase the public’s awareness of the historic White House through creative and educational programs.

In January 2020 the 1817 Bellangé suite of furniture was returned to the Blue Room following reguilding and reupholstery funded by the White House Historical Association. Newly returned to the collection is the Bellangé fireplace screen donated by the Association in 2012.

Gathering in the Blue Room to view the restored Bellangé suite and firescreen in January 2020 are National Council on White House History Co-Chair Ashley Dabbiere (left), and (above left to right) Board Member Gail Berry West, Board and National Council Member Anita McBride, and National Council Member Tami Longaberger.

14 • THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

The 2020 Official White House Christmas Ornament honored President John F. Kennedy (right) with an image of his posthumous portrait by Aaron Shikler, which was donated to the White House Collection by the White House Historical Association in 1971.

The ornament was launched on President’s Day 2020 (below) at the the JFK Presidential Library and Museum in Boston by Stewart D. McLaurin (left) and WHHA Board Member Anita McBride (right).

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help slow the spread of covid-19 let’s keep each other safe

Face Coverings

All visitors ages 2 and up must wear a face covering (e.g. mask, bandana-type covering) consistent with CDC guidance.

Practice Social Distancing

Practice social distancing during your visit by staying at least 6 feet from anyone not in your household group. Groups should remain together. Children must stay with adults at all times.

Enhanced Cleaning Measures in Place

The White House Historical Association is conducting enhanced cleanings of high-touch areas. Hand sanitizer is available throughout our spaces.

Stay Home if You Are Sick or Have a Fever

If you are feeling ill or may have been exposed, we ask you to please not enter. 2020 brought new challenges as the global COVID-19 pandemic spread and protests were staged in the President’s Neighborhood. As our campus on Lafayette Square began to reopen for limited office work and shop hours, safety guidelines were posted (left) and followed. During the Black Lives Matter protests during the summer of 2020, the White House neighborhood was fenced off limiting access to our headquarters and the prevaling sentiments were expressed in graffiti on the H Street side of historic Decatur House.

16 • THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Stewart McLaurin met with White House fellows in September 2020 at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (above). Although a small number of in-person events like this were conducted with COVID-19 safety protocals in place, dozens of planned programs became virtual in 2020.

Prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, Stewart McLaurin (clockwise from left) received a gift on behalf of the Association of an original Lily Spandorf watercolor from Board Member Knight Kiplinger, welcomed guests to the Association’s annual luncheon in honor of Stephen Decatur Jr., and spoke at the Colonial Williamsburg 2020 Decorative Arts symposium.

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