Every year, the White House Historical Association releases a special ornament that pays homage to the rich history of the American presidency. This year’s 2024 Annual Christmas Ornament is no different, commemorating the presidency of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. What makes this year’s ornament special is that President Carter is the first living President at the time of his ornament’s release.
The ornament, beautifully crafted in the shape of an anchor, symbolizes hope and President Carter’s service in the United States Navy. He is the only President who attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, making his naval service a notable part of his legacy. The North Portico view is accompanied by doves representing his peacemaking efforts, while the poinsettias evoke the holiday decor of his presidency.
On the reverse, the ornament features motifs related to Carter’s life and legacy, including the Seawolf-class USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) submarine, commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 2005. Carter is the only President to have qualified on submarines, highlighting his strong ties to the Navy. The globe symbolizes his lifelong commitment to the environment and world peace. These efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, reflecting his work both as President and as a private citizen. The anchor is adorned with peanuts and their yellow blossoms, reminding us of Carter’s years as a farmer and businessman in Plains, Georgia.
The White House Historical Association (WHHA) was established in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. WHHA aims to provide educational information about the history, appreciation, and preservation of the White House’s historic furnishings and artwork. The association supports this mission through various means, such as retail sales of books, toys, accessories and its most successful fundraising vehicle, the ornament program, which raises funds to maintain and preserve the White House. As part of this mission, the annual ornament program creates unforgettable keepsakes celebrating the American presidency.
For the past 43 years, the White House Historical Association has collaborated with Beacon Design to produce exquisite, meaningful keepsakes that pay tribute to the American presidency. Since 1981, the two organizations have worked together to design, create, and package the annual WHHA ornament, a highly anticipated release available for purchase throughout the year.
Whether you’re a collector or appreciate beautiful craftsmanship, the annual WHHA ornament is a must-have item. Thanks to the partnership between the WHHA and Beacon Design, you can own a piece of history that is both timeless and meaningful.
To shop the 2024 WHHA Christmas Ornament for retailers, click here.
To shop the 2024 WHHA Christmas Ornament for consumers, click here.
