Title:
Personally Owned 1977 White House Blue Room Christmas Tree Wood Slice Ornament – Estate of Jimmy Carter

Description:
Unique hand-crafted wooden slice ornament, personally owned by Jimmy Carter, created from a section of the White House Christmas tree displayed in the Blue Room during the 1977 holiday season—Carter’s inaugural year as President. The ornament retains its natural bark edge and organic shape, fitted with a small metal loop for hanging.

The front is hand-painted with festive floral and garland motifs in red and green, surrounding a central inscription that reads:

“1977
This tree stood in the Blue Room of the White House during the 1977 Christmas season in the inaugural year of President Jimmy Carter. As suggested by First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the tree was decorated with ornaments which were handmade by mentally retarded children and adults across the nation, sponsored by NARC.”

Additional painted details note the tree as a “Noble Fir Tree Evergreen” from Washington State.

The reverse features a finely burned (pyrography) illustration of the White House, complete with surrounding landscape elements and the inscription “Christmas 1977.” The wood grain is clearly visible, enhancing the rustic and historical character of the piece.

Condition is very good, with expected natural aging to the wood and minor surface wear consistent with its handcrafted nature. The painted and burned elements remain clear and legible.

Accompanied by a certificate of provenance reading:
“Jimmy Carter’s personally owned wood ornament from tree that stood in the Blue Room of the White House in 1977.”

Historical Context:
The 1977 White House Christmas season marked the first holiday celebration of the Carter administration. Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter emphasized inclusivity and compassion, selecting a theme that highlighted ornaments handmade by individuals with developmental disabilities across the United States. This initiative, supported by the National Association for Retarded Citizens (now known as The Arc), reflected the administration’s broader humanitarian values.

The Blue Room, traditionally the site of the official White House Christmas tree, has long served as a focal point of presidential holiday traditions. Artifacts directly tied to a specific year’s tree—particularly the inaugural year of a presidency—are exceedingly rare and historically meaningful.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Accompanied by a certificate of provenance titled “The Estate of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter,” issued through Brunk Auctions, North Carolina, 2026, with handwritten identification of the item.

Authenticated and signed by John Reznikoff and Luke Pascal.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This remarkable artifact transcends a typical holiday collectible, embodying a deeply personal and socially significant moment in White House history. Directly connected to President Jimmy Carter’s first Christmas in office and his administration’s humanitarian ethos, this one-of-a-kind wood ornament offers collectors an intimate and tangible link to a meaningful presidential tradition.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.