In a historic move, the White House has appointed Donna Hayashi Smith as the new curator, making her the first Asian American to hold this prestigious role. The announcement was made at the beginning of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, adding significance to this milestone. Originally from Wahiawa, Hawaii, Hayashi Smith has been a part of the White House curator’s office since 1995 and has worked under five different presidents. After the retirement of her predecessor, Lydia Tederick, she had been serving in an acting capacity. As curator, she will be responsible for the care and preservation of thousands of artifacts in the White House collection, ranging from presidential portraits to furniture and more.
One of Hayashi Smith’s notable achievements was leading the curator’s office through a process in 2022 to ensure that the White House maintains its recognition as an accredited museum on a national level. Her dedication and expertise in preserving the history and heritage of the White House have been recognized by various administrations. First Lady Jill Biden expressed her excitement about working with Hayashi Smith to continue preserving the White House’s “living history” for future generations to appreciate and learn from. This appointment highlights the importance of diversity and representation in leadership roles within the White House and sets a positive example for inclusivity.
Hayashi Smith’s extensive experience and knowledge of the White House collection make her well-equipped to take on the responsibilities of the curator role. Over the years, she has demonstrated her commitment to preserving the legacy and traditions of the White House, ensuring that its historical significance is upheld. Her expertise will be instrumental in overseeing the cataloguing and conservation of artifacts that hold significant cultural and historical value. As the first Asian American curator, she brings a unique perspective and background to this position, enriching the diversity of voices within the White House leadership.
As the White House curator, Hayashi Smith will play a crucial role in maintaining and showcasing the rich history and heritage of the White House to visitors and the public. The artifacts under her care provide a glimpse into the past and offer valuable insights into the lives of past presidents and their contributions to American history. Through her stewardship, Hayashi Smith will ensure that these artifacts are preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from. Her appointment marks a significant moment in the White House’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as she becomes a trailblazer for Asian Americans in leadership positions within the administration.
Hayashi Smith’s appointment as the White House curator serves as a testament to her dedication and passion for preserving history and heritage. Her unique background and experience will bring a fresh perspective to the role, enriching the White House’s efforts to maintain its status as a national museum. As she takes on this new responsibility, Hayashi Smith will continue to uphold the legacy of the White House and ensure that its artifacts are cared for and showcased with the utmost respect. Her appointment during Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a fitting tribute to her achievements and the importance of diversity in leadership roles.
In conclusion, Donna Hayashi Smith’s appointment as the White House curator is a significant milestone in the history of the White House and highlights the importance of diversity and representation in leadership positions. Her experience and dedication to preserving the history and heritage of the White House make her well-suited for this role, and her appointment sets a positive example for inclusivity within the administration. As the first Asian American to hold this position, Hayashi Smith brings a unique perspective and background to the curator’s office, enriching the White House’s efforts to showcase its rich history to the public. Her leadership will ensure that the White House’s artifacts are preserved for future generations to learn from and appreciate.
