Vermeil Room

The White House Vermeil Room is painted a shade of yellow to complement a collection of vermeil (gilded silver). It serves as a display room and, for formal occasions, as a ladies sitting room.

Lincoln Bedroom

The Lincoln Bedroom has Victorian furnishings from Lincoln's time, and the bed is thought to have been purchased by Lincoln. The room is now used as a guest bedroom for friends of the President.

History: During the Civil War Lincoln used the room to chart progress of the Union Army. He would hang maps and strategies for anticipated battles on the walls.

Library

The White House Library has a collection of 2700 books written by American authors or about American history.

History: The Library was official created in 1935, and in 1961 a committee was appointed to select works representative of a full spectrum of American thought and tradition.

China Room

The China Room displays a collection of White House china from several different presidents, and it was designated by Mrs. Woodrow Wilson in 1917 to display the growing collection of White House china.

History: Almost every past President is represented in the China Room either by state or family china or glassware. The collection is arranged chronologically, beginning to the right of the fireplace. Even the earliest Presidents received government funds to purchase state china. However, as new presidents came into the White House, they would sometimes remove old China and have it sold at auction so as to make room for their china.

State Dining Room

The State Dining Room is used for formal dinners when the President and First Lady are hosting Heads of State. It is one of the two main dining areas, and can hold up to 140 people.

History:
Carved into the mantel below a portrait of President Lincoln is an inscription from a letter written by John Adams on his second night in the White House:
I pray Heaven to Bestow the Best of Blessings on THIS HOUSE and on All that shall hereafter Inhabit it. May none but honest and Wise Men ever rule under this roof.

East Room

The East Room of the White House is the largest room and is used for entertaining, and large parties and receptions are held there.

History: During the Civil War years and the administration of Abraham Lincoln there was much activity in the East Room. At one time during the war Union troops occupied the room.

During the Ford Administration, Ford's daughter, Susan, held her senior prom in the East Room.

Green Room

The green room is one of the three states rooms. It is used for small receptions, and guests are served cocktails here while they wait for the President and First Lady to arrive.

History:Florence Harding conducted afternoon teas for wounded servicemen here, a tradition that continues today.