Donna Hayashi Smith has been appointed as the ninth White House Curator.
Originally from Wahiawa, Hawaii, Smith graduated in Art History from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She joined White House’s Executive Residence Office of the Curator in 1995 and has served as the acting White House Curator after the retirement of her predecessor Lydia Tederick. Previously, she was the associate Curator of the collections and registrar, for which she oversaw and cared for more than 60,000 objects in the White House Collection. Hayashi Smith is the first Asian American curator to occupy the role.
‘Donna Hayashi Smith brings years of experience to this position, along with unique perspectives from serving under five administrations. She understands the history and legacy of the White House, as well as the intricate innerworkings of the building itself,’ said First Lady Jill Biden. ‘I look forward to continuing our work together to preserve the White House’s living history, increasing opportunities for Americans to see themselves reflected here, and making the “People’s House” more accessible to the millions of people who visit our Nation’s Capital each year.’
