Graphics and Calligraphy Office

Located in the East Wing, the Graphics and Calligraphy Office coordinates and produces all non-political social invitations, place cards, presidential proclamations, letters patent, military commissions, and official greetings.

Space allowed for the hand-penned insertion of "& Mrs. Adams" if the First Lady was to attend, as well as individual guests' names, and the date and time.

The custom of including a representation of the arms of the United States, by way of an eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons and a striped shield with stars, became standard on invitations in the early 19th century.

By the mid-19th century, the more formal Great Seal of the United States was placed at the head of invitations.

The text was engraved in black script, allowing space for the guest's name to be added individually.