The White House Gift Shop, Est. 1946®

"WHGS"

Established 1946 by Presidential Order and the U.S. Secret Service

The Sole Official Original White House Gift Shop in U.S. History

Safeguarded by Multiple & Irrevocable U.S. Trademarks: A Legacy of Authenticity

The Legacy of the White House Gift Shop: From Service to Commemoration

The White House Gift Shop, established in 1946, carries a rich history tied to both national pride and personal sacrifice. Originally conceived as the "White House Flower Fund" during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, it evolved into a cornerstone of support for the Secret Service and its uniformed division during President Harry S. Truman's tenure. What began as a fund to provide flowers for bereaved Secret Service families transformed into the "Secret Service White House Gift Shop" after an important turning point in 1950

That pivotal moment occurred when Officer William Leslie Coffelt, a member of the White House Police (now the Secret Service Uniformed Division), died defending President Truman during an assassination attempt at Blair House. In honor of Coffelt's bravery and ultimate sacrifice, President Truman issued an order, reshaping the purpose of the fund to aid Secret Service members injured in the line of duty. This initiative eventually became the White House Gift Shop as we know it today, a place where the public can access memorabilia linked to the presidency and significant national moments, while also continuing its charitable missions.

The shop has since grown into a unique institution, known for its exclusive collections of presidential memorabilia, coins, and annual ornaments, which pay homage to the history of the White House and its occupants. While it offers these collectibles to the public, the White House Gift Shop remains committed to supporting charitable causes, including assisting injured federal law enforcement officers and supporting community programs for women and children(

With over seven decades of history, the White House Gift Shop represents more than just a place to buy White House and Presidential collectibles, souvenirs, tradables, and heirlooms of Presidents' Administrations—it is a living tribute to public service, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of American democracy.

A Legacy of Service:
President Truman's Founding Order for the Secret Service—Leading to the Creation of The White House Gift Shop

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Officer Leslie William Coffelt: A Hero Remembered

Biographical Citation by Anthony Giannini for The White House Gift Shop, Est. 1946

Officer Leslie William Coffelt’s legacy is one of extraordinary bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice. Born on August 15, 1910, in Oranda, Virginia, Coffelt led a life dedicated to service long before his heroic actions at Blair House. After serving honorably in World War II, where he displayed a strong sense of duty and commitment, Coffelt transitioned to law enforcement. He joined the White House Police, an elite division responsible for guarding the president and other key figures in the nation’s leadership.

On November 1, 1950, Officer Coffelt made the ultimate sacrifice when an attempt was made on the life of President Harry S. Truman. The president was staying at Blair House, the temporary presidential residence, while the White House was undergoing renovations. Two Puerto Rican nationalists, Oscar Collazo and Griselio Torresola, launched a bold attack, hoping to draw attention to Puerto Rico’s independence movement by assassinating Truman. The attackers opened fire outside Blair House in broad daylight, catching the officers by surprise.

Coffelt was stationed in a guard booth near the front entrance when the gunfire erupted. Despite being shot three times and gravely wounded by Griselio Torresola’s first shots, Coffelt displayed extraordinary courage. Summoning his last ounce of strength, Coffelt returned fire with a single, accurate shot that killed Torresola instantly, preventing the attacker from reaching the president. His actions saved countless lives and ended the attack before it could escalate.

Coffelt succumbed to his injuries a few hours later at the age of 40. His bravery in those final moments not only protected the president but also exemplified the highest ideals of selflessness and heroism in law enforcement. He remains the only member of the Secret Service or White House Police to die in the line of duty while defending a U.S. president, a testament to the dangerous and vital work these officers perform every day.

Coffelt’s sacrifice is honored with his burial at Arlington National Cemetery, a place reserved for the nation's most distinguished heroes. His grave serves as a permanent reminder of his valor and the debt of gratitude owed to those who serve and protect. In addition to his Arlington burial, Coffelt’s story continues to inspire generations of law enforcement officers and patriots who look to him as an embodiment of courage in the face of overwhelming danger.

In recognition of his heroism, the Secret Service and the broader law enforcement community hold Officer Coffelt’s memory in the highest regard. His name has been enshrined on memorials honoring those who have fallen in the line of duty, and his sacrifice is commemorated annually as a part of the Secret Service’s traditions of service and sacrifice.

Officer Leslie William Coffelt’s actions on that fateful day exemplify the true meaning of duty, honor, and courage. His legacy lives on not just in the history books, but in the hearts of all who continue to protect the president and the nation, standing as a shining example of what it means to serve with distinction.

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Honoring a Hero: The Enduring Legacy of Officer William Leslie Coffelt

Each year on November 1st, the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division solemnly commemorates Officer William Leslie Coffelt’s ultimate sacrifice with a dignified wreath-laying ceremony at Blair House. This act of reverence honors the memory of Officer Coffelt, who gave his life in defense of President Truman during a 1950 assassination attempt. The ceremony serves not only as a tribute to his courage but as a symbol of the enduring respect and gratitude held by the Secret Service for those who protect and serve at the highest levels.

Empowering Heroes and Healing Communities: The White House Gift Shop’s Commitment to Service and Compassion

The White House Gift Shop continues its legacy of service by offering unwavering support to federal law enforcement, intelligence officers, and military personnel injured in the line of duty. Additionally, the Gift Shop extends its charitable reach to various causes, providing essential financial assistance to community programs that help women and children recover from abuse and human trafficking. Furthermore, it contributes to vital medical research initiatives, focusing on advancing treatments for cancer and lymphomas. Through these efforts, the White House Gift Shop honors the spirit of service and compassion that has defined its mission since its inception.

Thank you for your continued support!

At The White House Gift Shop, Est. 1946, we take immense pride in our team. Every member of our staff is either a veteran, retired, or an actively involved community member of federal law enforcement, including the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Military, or the U.S. Intelligence Community. This shared dedication to service and country is woven into everything we do, ensuring that each gift we design and offer reflects a deep commitment to honoring our nation's values and those who protect it. When you shop with us, you're not just buying a piece of history—you’re supporting the incredible people behind it.



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Meet Our CEO: Anthony Giannini

Since 2010, Anthony Giannini has led the White House Gift Shop as both CEO and Chief Designer, blending creativity, strategy, and innovation. Under his leadership, what began as a historic initiative—founded in 1946 by President Truman and the U.S. Secret Service—has flourished into a dynamic online hub for unique presidential heirlooms, commemoratives, and collectibles that capture America's most significant moments.

Known for his ability to foresee global trends and solve complex problems, Anthony’s work extends beyond the Gift Shop. His expertise in intelligence and strategy has earned him recognition across sectors—from guiding policy to advising on corporate strategy in areas like global financing and AI research. Alongside his role at the White House Gift Shop, he also serves as CEO and Board Chair of two private corporations focused on AI development, global business intelligence, and cutting-edge product design.

At the heart of Anthony Giannini's leadership is his passion for creating meaningful, timeless pieces that blend artistry with purpose. He sees each design as a chance to honor history while giving back to those in need, such as donating to medical research and supporting various philanthropic efforts.

As CEO of the White House Gift Shop, his work reflects both history and humanity. From commemorating pivotal moments like the Trump-Kim Summit to honoring the Obama and Biden administrations, each of his designs captures the essence of the events they represent. Notably, during the President Biden administration, Giannini created a coin honoring the heroes of Ukraine and a special edition celebrating Biden’s historic secret train journey through Poland into Ukraine, a symbol of U.S. solidarity. One of these coins now resides permanently in Ukraine’s War Museum, a testament to its cultural significance.

Beyond commemorating history, Anthony Giannini’s designs are deeply rooted in philanthropy, with proceeds often directed toward causes like medical research. His creative influence extends to global diplomacy, with exclusive gifts crafted for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska, presented during their White House visits, meetings with Congress, and Ukraine’s Feast of the Epiphany. These symbolic exchanges underscore his commitment to fostering international relations through meaningful gestures. Giannini's work also captured key moments during the Obama era, such as the Signing of the Affordable Health Care Act, through his annual White House Ornaments. Similarly, his designs from President Trump’s administration, including artifacts from the Trump-Kim Summit and Trump’s DMZ crossing into North Korea, were sought after by North Korean officials. Apolitical in nature, Giannini believes in memorializing both the triumphs and trials of the American presidency, viewing the White House Gift Shop’s role as preserving these moments as enduring artifacts for future generations, reflecting the evolving narrative of America's multicultural heritage.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Anthony remains dedicated to sharing his knowledge and experience. He offers no-cost talks and workshops on topics like artificial intelligence, creative thinking in crisis scenarios, Rising Strong: Navigating Life’s Challenges and Overcoming Trauma, and even self-invention—speaking to organizations ranging from law enforcement agencies to public schools. His goal? To inspire and equip others to embrace the future with creativity and confidence.

You can email Anthony Giannini at [email protected]