Donna Hayashi Smith, hailing from Wahiawa, Hawaii, has made history as the first Asian American to be appointed White House curator. She has served under five presidents since joining the curator’s office in 1995 and has held the position in an acting capacity since last year. As curator, Hayashi Smith will be responsible for maintaining the vast collection of artifacts within the White House, including presidential portraits, furniture, and china. Her appointment comes during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
