Committee for the Preservation of the White House

Committee for the Preservation of the White House. It is a federal advisory body established to ensure the preservation and interpretation of the historic furnishings and decorative arts of the Executive Residence. The committee advises the First Lady, the White House Office, and the National Park Service on policies and procedures related to the museum character of the public rooms. Its work encompasses the acquisition of fine and decorative arts, conservation of the historic collection, and long-term planning for the integrity of the nation's most symbolic residence.

History and establishment

The committee was formally established by President Lyndon B. Johnson under Executive Order 11145 in March 1964, following recommendations from a special Fine Arts Committee appointed by his predecessor, John F. Kennedy. This action institutionalized the preservation efforts championed by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, whose landmark White House restoration and televised tour in 1962 galvanized public interest. The creation built upon earlier stewardship by groups like the White House Historical Association, founded in 1961, and responded to a growing national consensus, reflected in legislation like the Historic Sites Act of 1935, that the White House required professional, ongoing curatorial oversight. Its establishment marked a pivotal shift toward treating the residence as a living museum of American history and artistry.

Mission and responsibilities

The core mission is to maintain the historical and artistic integrity of the state floors of the Executive Residence as a museum for the American people. Its responsibilities include reviewing and recommending policies for the acquisition, conservation, and display of the museum collection, which includes furniture, paintings, sculpture, and decorative objects. The committee provides expert guidance on interior restoration projects, the acceptance of gifts of fine and decorative arts, and the interpretation of the White House's architectural history. It also works to ensure that changes to the historic interiors are documented and consistent with established preservation standards, serving as a guardian of the building's evolving narrative from the Adams administration to the present.

Membership and structure

The committee is chaired by the First Lady in an honorary capacity and co-chaired by the Director of the National Park Service. The Curator of the White House serves as its secretary. Membership is composed of distinguished citizens appointed by the President, typically including experts in fields such as architecture, decorative arts, history, and museum administration. Notable past members have included figures like interior designer Sister Parish, historian James Biddle, and collector Jayne Wrightsman. The committee operates under the auspices of the White House Office and collaborates closely with the staff of the Executive Residence, the White House Historical Association, and the National Park Service's White House Liaison office.

Key projects and initiatives

Throughout its history, the committee has overseen and advised on numerous significant projects. These include major conservation efforts for historic objects like the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington and the Lincoln Bed, as well as comprehensive room restorations such as the Blue Room under Patricia Nixon and the Treaty Room during the Clinton administration. It guided the extensive refurbishment of the Green Room and Oval Office under various presidencies. The committee also plays a critical role in vetting and accepting important acquisitions, such as significant pieces of American Empire furniture or works by artists like Childe Hassam, ensuring the collection's continued growth and relevance.

Relationship with other entities

The committee maintains a foundational partnership with the White House Historical Association, which it helped establish and which funds many acquisitions and conservation projects through private donations. It works integrally with the National Park Service, which is responsible for the physical care of the building and grounds under the Historic Sites Act of 1935. The Curator of the White House and their staff execute the committee's recommendations daily. Furthermore, it collaborates with external institutions like the Smithsonian Institution, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library for scholarly research, conservation science, and exhibition loans. This network ensures that preservation efforts benefit from the highest standards of museum practice and historical scholarship.

Category:White House Category:Advisory committees in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1964 Category:Preservation organizations in the United States