NE North Dakota News

Armed with a degree from the University of North Dakota, Betty Monkman dedicated 35 years to preserving the art and history of the White House. Born in Bottineau, North Dakota, Monkman graduated with a history degree in 1964 and began her career at the White House as a registrar in 1967. Her tenure spanned eight presidencies, from Lyndon B. Johnson to George W. Bush.

Monkman's career saw her rise through the ranks to become chief curator by 1997, a position she held until her retirement in 2002. She was only the eighth person to hold this role since the Office of the Curator was established in 1961. On January 7, Monkman passed away at her niece's home at age 82.

In an obituary published by The Washington Post, it was noted that “she quickly earned the admiration of her colleagues with her knowledge, resourcefulness and respect for the traditions and history of the residence.” Monkman's responsibilities included documenting artifacts as registrar and later guiding new first families through furnishing their residence.

Monkman's work extended beyond routine duties; she escorted Raisa Gorbachev on a tour alongside Nancy Reagan in 1987. Her efforts contributed to the White House being accredited as a museum by what was then known as the American Association of Museums in 1988.

Her time at the White House also included challenging periods such as during Richard Nixon's presidency amid Watergate. Reflecting on this period, Monkman said in an oral history interview with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation: “I would come home at night and my legs would just ache from tension, from being there.”

Monkman authored two books about her experiences: "The White House: Its Historic Furnishings and First Families" (2000) and "Furnishing the White House: The Decorative Arts Collection" (2023), co-authored with colleagues Lydia Tederick, William Allman, and Melissa C. Naulin.

She reflected on her work saying: “The White House personifies the presidency... It changes and evolves, and that’s what we are about as a nation.”

Monkman's education played a significant role throughout her life. In an article for UND Alumni Review in 1989, she praised Elwyn B. Robinson's course "Jefferson and Democracy," which sparked her interest in history's analytical aspects.

Despite having worked among graduates from prestigious institutions during her time in Washington D.C., Monkman felt confident about her education at UND: “In all candor... they were far superior to those I had during my graduate work.”

Monkman's contributions extended beyond curatorial duties; she led tours for various groups including Delta Gamma sisters and NCAA champions while maintaining connections with fellow UND alumni like Byron Dorgan.

She returned often to UND after retiring—participating in events like Hultberg Lectureship—and received accolades such as Sioux Award for Distinguished Achievement & Leadership from UND Alumni Association & Foundation.

Sara Garland highlighted Monkman's humility despite holding such an esteemed position: “Even though her position as White House Curator was a very big deal... she was one of most understated individuals I ever encountered." Garland added that Monkman frequently attended gatherings related to North Dakota heritage even while residing far away.