The White House has a new curator. Donna Hayashi Smith is the first Asian American to hold the post
The White House has a new curator and Donna Hayashi Smith is the first Asian American to hold the post
By Darlene Superville
Published - May 01, 2024, 05:42 PM ET
Last Updated - May 27, 2024, 01:04 AM EDT
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House has a new curator and Donna Hayashi Smith is the first Asian American to hold the post.
The White House announced her appointment Wednesday, the start of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Originally from Wahiawa, Hawaii, Hayashi Smith joined the White House curator's office in 1995 and has now served under five presidents. She had been serving in an acting capacity since last year after the retirement of her predecessor, Lydia Tederick.
As curator, Hayashi Smith will oversee the care of thousands of artifacts in the White House collection, cataloguing and preserving everything from presidential portraits to furniture and more.
