"Clinton family poses with residence staff under North Portico, 2004."   White House workers help make the house function both as seat of government and family home.   White House Photo.
	"Houseman Jerry Smith, North Portico, ca. 1889."   Houseman Jerry Smith poses with his signature feather duster, which by the turn of the century had become symbolic of a home's privileged status.
"Chef Cristeta Comerford, 2005." Cristeta Comerford is the first woman to hold the position of White House executive chef. White House Photo.

For over 200 years, and more than 40 administrations, The White House has been the official residence of the President of the United States. Now, you are invited behind the scenes at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for a rare introduction to its inner workings and some of the hundreds of largely-unsung people who have kept it running as a seat of government, family residence, ceremonial center, museum, and historic building.   For two centuries, workers at the White House - maids, cooks, butlers, doormen, electricians and many others - have witnessed history in the making and, in the process, created their own. Covering the years of service since John and Abigail Adams first moved into the "President's House" in November of 1800, "The Working White House" showcases the experiences of the people crucial to the everyday lives of the first families.   The multi-media exhibit features images, artifacts, audio and video documenting workers, the tasks they performed, and the tools they used to do their jobs. It also includes many of the workers personal stories of serving presidents, often told in their own voices. Replete with memories and household treasures from presidencies from Taft to Obama, the exhibit provides an intimate perspective on the ceremonies, elegant state dinners, national celebrations and heartbreaking tragedies that have shaped and made United States history at this celebrated address. "The Working White House" also explores the dedication and skills of the residence staff, their cohesion as a community, and their special relationship with the first family.

	"President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan, 1981."   After being shot in the chest, President Ronald Reagan returned to the White House and was greeted by 200 well-wishers on the South Lawn. Doorman Roland Harley shelters the Reagans from an April shower.   Photo courtesy Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
"State dinner, 1871."   Valentino Melah immigrated to America as a child in 1834 and was hired as a White House steward by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1869. The man standing left, with beard and moustache, is believed to be Melah.   Photo courtesy The White House Historical Association (White House Collection).