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Event
History Happy Hour: The History of Lafayette Square
Just north of the White House sits a seven-acre park named after a French revolutionary general, the Marquis de Lafayette – but why? This presentation will dive into the history behind the name of the park, highlighting Lafayette’s visits to the White House in 1824-1825, and how the neighborhood came to be known as Lafayette Square. Join us on September 29 for
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Press Release
First Lady Jill Biden Delivers Remarks, White House Historical Association Dedicates Garden and Sculpture to Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy
The White House Historical Association today dedicated a newly installed garden and sculpture in honor of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who played a historic role in preserving Lafayette Square during the Kennedy presidency. First Lady Jill Biden underscored the importance of Mrs. Kennedy’s legacy in a ceremony that took place in front of the historic Decatur House. The Ja
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Video
White House Historical Association First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Garden Dedication
On September 23, 2022, the White House Historical Association dedicated a newly installed garden and medallion in honor of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who played a historic role in preserving Lafayette Square during the Kennedy presidency. First Lady Jill Biden underscored the importance of Mrs. Kennedy’s legacy in a ceremony that took place in front of the historic Decatur House. Th
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History Happy Hour: Trouble in Lafayette Square
The park in Lafayette Square was designed as a tranquil space in the heart of Washington. Yet, for more than 200 years, it also has been the scene of shocking incidents of murder and mayhem right across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House. Join us on Thursday, October 27 at 5:30 pm for an illustrated talk with Gil Klein, author of “Trouble in La
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History Happy Hour: The Early Days of Lafayette Square
The White House has stood at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for over 200 years, but have you ever wondered what came before it? Association historian Lina Mann will talk about the history of Native Americans in early Washington as well as the construction of the White House. She will also highlight the early use of Lafayette Park as a staging ground and living
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History Happy Hour: Love and Life - Controversy in Lafayette Square
Renowned Victorian painter George F. Watts gifted his painting "Love and Life" to the American people in 1893, and the painting made its way to the White House. Despite Watts’s celebrity, his gift caused a scandal after the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union protested the painting’s “immoral” depiction of two nude figures. As a result, Watts’s painting spent several admi
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Press Release
NEW Episode: The White House 1600 Sessions Podcast “David Rubenstein on Patriotic Philanthropy”
The White House Historical Association released a new episode of The White House 1600 Sessions podcast today, “David Rubenstein on Patriotic Philanthropy.” In the episode, Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, speaks with best-selling author David Rubenstein about his new book, How to Invest: Masters on the Craft, and his lasting legacy of patriotic philanthropy. Rubenstein worked in the
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Educational Resource
White House Tea and No Sympathy
IntroductionIn the early summer of 1929, citizens in the nation's capital enjoyed reading about the White House activities of President Herbert Hoover and his wife, Lou Hoover, in their local newspaper. They learned that a "talking movie" was shown at the White House, that the president's pets had acquired silver-plated nametags, and that a policy had been implemented to reduce the
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Educational Resource
The White House Neighborhood
The construction of the White House prompted the growth of the surrounding area into a vibrant neighborhood for the president. Today, Lafayette Square sits to the north side of the White House and serves as a public park. Visitors come to catch a glimpse of the Executive Mansion through the gates and, amidst this green space, encounter statues commemorating America's
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Press Release
New 1600 Sessions Podcast: Explores Legacy of Naval Hero Commodore Stephen Decatur and his Historic 200-Year-Old Home on Lafayette Square
The White House Historical Association today released the latest episode of The 1600 Sessions podcast, “Decatur House, The President’s Neighbor”, exploring the legacy of Naval hero and Commodore Stephen Decatur and the historic Decatur House positioned in the President’s Neighborhood on Lafayette Square and part of Washington, D.C.’s earliest history. This episode was recorded in the parlors of Decatur
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Press Release
SAVE THE DATES: 2019 Book Signings at the White House History Shop
The White House Historical Association (WHHA) will host a series of book signings on Friday afternoons in April at its White House History Shop, as well as two signings on the Monday after Easter at the White House Visitor Center and the White House History Shop. These book signings provide a unique opportunity for visitors to meet award winning authors