For over 40 years, sketches by the renowned American illustrator Norman Rockwell depicting scenes from the White House visitor's lobby adorned the walls of the West Wing, where every U.S. president from Jimmy Carter to Donald Trump had the opportunity to appreciate them. These sketches, characterized by their vibrant portrayal of wartime America, are set to go on public display for the first time after a nonprofit organization secured them at an auction for over $7 million, coming after a family dispute over their ownership.
The collection comprises four sketches from the 1940s titled “So You Want to See the President!” They capture individuals from various backgrounds waiting to meet President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II. The depictions include U.S. senators, military personnel, journalists, and even Miss America, all poised in the West Wing reception area while awaiting access to the Oval Office.
The White House Historical Association made an extensive effort to preserve the sketches, aiming to ensure they would not be lost to a private collection. President Stuart McLaurin stated that it was important for the American public to see these artworks, which have historic significance, as they have been witnessed by numerous presidents, first ladies, and important global visitors. The sketches will be available for viewing at the “The People’s House” education center, located near the White House, through June 2027.
Initially, the sketches were a gift to Stephen Early, the U.S. government's third press secretary under Roosevelt. Rockwell created these illustrations for Early after they were first published in the Saturday Evening Post in November 1943. Early displayed these works in his West Wing office, where they remained until a family member donated them to the White House in 1978. They were hung in various locations throughout the West Wing for over four decades until a legal dispute arose about their rightful ownership.
The family dispute commenced in 2017 when Thomas Early, a son of the original press secretary, recognized the sketches in a White House setting during a televised interview with President Donald Trump. William Elam III, a grandson of Stephen Early, claimed his mother had received the sketches as a gift, and ownership had subsequently been transferred to him. A court ruling in May 2025 resolved the dispute in favor of Elam, allowing him to sell the sketches, which ultimately led to their acquisition by the White House Historical Association.
The sketches are regarded as “priceless” by the association, which undertook historical research to uncover the identities of the individuals depicted in the illustrations. This exhibit will utilize modern technology to enhance the experience, allowing visitors to engage more deeply with the figures in Rockwell's work. Following their exhibit at the education center, there are plans to potentially showcase the sketches at other venues or possibly return them to the White House.
The White House Historical Association, founded in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and funded entirely by private contributions, recognized that acquiring these works was a critical action. McLaurin expressed concern about the possibility of the sketches fetching even higher auction prices and confirmed that the $7.25 million paid for them was the most the association has ever allocated for a piece of art. The initiative aims to connect the public with artifacts representing American history and culture.
McLaurin articulated that the sketches embody a vibrant narrative of American life and wartime experiences, likening them to a “little aquarium” showcasing a diverse array of people in a particular historical moment. The acquisition of these artworks underscores the commitment of the White House Historical Association to preserve and share invaluable pieces of American heritage with future generations.
