U.S. Capitol Historical Society Remembers George M. White, Architect of the Capitol 1971-1995

It is with a great sense of loss that the U.S. Capitol Historical Society notes the passing of George M. White on Friday, June 17, 2011 at the age of ninety. As Architect of the Capitol from 1971 to 1995, Mr. White was a great friend and invaluable supporter of the Society’s programs. He was a devoted caretaker of the Capitol’s architectural and art history; his custodianship of the Capitol included managing the Cox mural project, originated and financed by the Society, and the institution of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society’s Capitol Fellowship Program.

When Society President Ron Sarasin interviewed Mr. White in September 2008 for the Society’s oral history interview series with the Architects of the Capitol, Mr. White responded simply and succinctly to the question of how he would like to be remembered:

“I think I’d like to be remembered as someone who brought integrity into the process and who made a contribution to our nation’s history.”

We are pleased to join all those who knew George M. White in remembering him as a man of integrity who made history as Architect of the Capitol and helped preserve its history for generations to come.

 For more about George M. White’s tenure and accomplishments as Architect of the Capitol, see:

•U.S. Capitol Historical Society interview with George M. White, September 8, 2008

•Brief biographical sketch on Architect of the Capitol website

•New York Times obituary notice

•Washington Post obituary notice

•Obituary notice on Cleveland.com
 

White posed for his official photograph as Architect of the Capitol wearing his trademark bow tie.  (Courtesy Architect of the Capitol)

Society President Fred Schwengel (left) poses with artist Walker Hancock (right) and George White at the unveiling of the portrait of the Architect donated to the Capitol by the Historical Society.  (U.S. Capitol Historical Society photograph)

White’s duties included greeting visiting dignitaries, such as Queen Elizabeth in 1991. (Courtesy Architect of the Capitol)