Podcast
The History of Wine and the White House
Featuring Frederick J. Ryan, author of “Wine and the White House: A History" and member of the White House Historical Association’s National Council on White House History
Remembering First Lady Nancy Reagan
Gallery
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President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan admire the birthday cake created for President Reagan’s 70th birthday on February 6, 1981.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/National Archives and Records Administration -
First Lady Nancy Reagan reviews plans ahead of a State Dinner in honor of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher with Social Secretary Mable “Muffie” Brandon, left, and Chief of Staff Peter McCoy, right, on February 25, 1981. It was the Reagan administration’s first state visit, just one month into President Ronald Reagan’s first term.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/National Archives and Records Administration -
These porcelain serving pieces were part of a service made for the White House by Lenox China of Trenton, New Jersey, in 1981, during President Ronald Reagan's administration. The pieces shown here include service plate, a lunch plate, and a tea cup and saucer. The Reagan service featured a wide red border with a gilt rim and crosshatch pattern and a raised gold Presidential Seal.
Photograph by Bruce White, copyright White House Historical Association -
President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan enjoy dinner, while watching the evening news in the president’s second floor study. November 6, 1981.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/National Archives and Records Administration -
First Lady Nancy Reagan, President Ronald Reagan, and Frank Sinatra entertain guests in the East Room following a State Dinner in honor of President Alessandro Pertini of Italy, March 25, 1982.
White House Historical Association -
First Lady Nancy Reagan samples dishes prepared by Ronald Mesnier (left), Pastry Chef; Henry Haller, Chief Chef (center); and Cook Frank Ruta. Mrs. Reagan consulted with the chefs before special events, offering suggestions for imaginative desserts such as the spun-sugar elephant and swan creations on the table, June 6, 1982.
White House Historical Association -
At a reception for congressional children, First Lady Nancy Reagan introduces the blue grass band, Johnson Mountain Boys, July 13, 1982.
White House Historical Association -
First Lady Nancy Reagan sings with Frank Sinatra at her “To Love a Child” event on the South Lawn, October 19, 1982. The event was in honor of foster grandparents, a cause she promoted while she was first lady of California.
White House Historical Association -
President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan return to the White House from a trip to Camp David on November 1, 1982, with a Halloween pumpkin carved to read "Stay the Course."
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/National Archives and Records Administration -
First Lady Nancy Reagan and President Ronald Reagan board Marine One en route to the Williamsburg Economic Summit in 1983.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/National Archives and Records Administration -
First Lady Nancy Reagan consults with Press Secretary Sheila Patton Tate, Assistant Social Secretary Linda Faulkner, and Social Secretary Mable “Muffie” Brandon on January 30, 1984 on the Ground Floor Corridor of the White House.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/National Archives and Records Administration -
First Lady Nancy Reagan talks with her social secretary, Gahl Hodges Burt, as they walk through the Cross Hall of the White House on March 22, 1984. Danielle Mitterrand, wife of French President Francois Mitterrand, walks ahead of them on the right. The Mitterrands were in Washington, D.C. for an official State Visit.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/National Archives and Records Administration -
First Lady Nancy Reagan listens intently during her First Ladies Conference on Drug Abuse. The event was part of her “Just Say No” campaign, and she invited first ladies of other nations to convene on preventing drug abuse, April 28, 1985.
White House Historical Association -
President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan with President Li Xiannian and Madame Lin Jiamei of the Peoples Republic of China on the North Portico before a State Dinner on July 23, 1985.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/NARA -
President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan chat with Prince Charles and Princess Diana in the West Sitting Hall, November 9, 1985. This was the first time the royal couple visited the United States together, Prince Charles had already visited the United States on several occasions.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/National Archives and Records Administration -
President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan with Prime Minister Brian Mulroney of Canada and Mila Mulroney descending the Grand Staircase before a White House state dinner, April 27, 1988.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/NARA -
Santa Claus visited for a photo opportunity with First Lady Nancy Reagan and Chef Hans Raffert in front of the 1988 gingerbread house in the State Dining Room at the White House.
Courtesy of Jennifer B. Pickens/Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/National Archives and Records Administration -
First Lady Nancy Reagan’s official portrait. Painted by Aaron Shikler in 1987, Reagan is wearing her signature red color in a flowing gown designed by James Galanos.
White House Historical Association (White House Collection)
About this Gallery
As first lady, Nancy Reagan lent her support to the Foster Grandparent Program, the subject of her 1982 book, To Love A Child, and concentrated on the fight against drug and alcohol abuse among young people. Mrs. Reagan also directed a major renovation of the second and third floors of the White House during her time as First Lady, and commissioned a presidential state china service in striking red, gold, and white from Lenox China in Trenton, New Jersey in 1981. With her passing, the White House Historical Association joins the nation in its remembrance of a first lady with tremendous grace, intelligence, and style.
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