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New England Convention
The Massachusetts legislature released an invitation on October 5, 1814 for a convention of the New England states to meet in Hartford, Connecticut "to lay the foundation for a radical reform in the National compact." Angered by the destructive wartime loss of their trade and fearing a British assault on Boston, New England governors had refused to adhere to President Madison's requests
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Article
Stephen Pleasonton Saves the State Papers
With news of the British force's approach, a senior State Department clerk, Stephen Pleasonton, swung into action, buying rough but hardy linen which was cut up and made into book bags, into which Pleasonton and other clerks gently packed priceless manuscripts and papers like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Secretary of War Armstrong, whose foolhardiness seemed to extend
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Article
The Chesapeake & Canadian Campaigns
The British decided in 1814 to relieve pressure on their forces in Canada by launching diversionary assaults in the Chesapeake Bay area, with Washington and Baltimore as targets. Admiral Alexander Cochrane's orders to Admiral Sir George Cockburn were "to destroy and lay waste such towns and districts upon the coast as you may find assailable." The British assembled their forces at
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Article
Presidential Valets
Throughout the history of the presidency, a president’s clothing choices have been influenced by a number of factors. Personal background, economics, regional influences, direction from the first lady, and advice from other family members and staff have all contributed to the sartorial style of the nation’s leader. Perhaps no one knew the presidential wardrobe, and the man himself, as i
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Article
"Articles of the Best Kind"
When on March 4, 1817, James Monroe was inaugurated as the fifth president of the United States, the District of Columbia still bore scars from its sacking by the British three years earlier. The country had achieved few of the political and military aims that led it into the War of 1812, and having the capital torched by the enemy caused profound national
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Nell Arthur's Memorial Window
Stained glass, a medieval art, was revisited in the historically retrospective nineteenth century. The art was a prominent feature of two significant renovation projects in Washington, D.C., during the presidency of Chester Alan Arthur (1881–85). Saint John’s Church in Lafayette Square engaged Lorin, a studio based in Chartres, France, to create stained glass windows for its new pictorial glazing prog
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The President, the Press, and Proximity
The James S. Brady Press Briefing Room has been the on-grounds quarters for the White House correspondents and news photographers since its construction in 1969–70. Although generally referred to as the White House Press Briefing Room, one of the early project names—the West Terrace Press Center—more accurately takes in its trio of primary functions: press briefings and conferences, workspace, and br
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Scholarship
The White House Social Secretary: Job Description and Work Culture
What are the responsibilities of the social secretary?The social secretary works with the first lady in the overall planning, arrangement, coordination and direction of all official and personal social events given by the president and his family. This includes the form and wording of invitations, the compiling of guest lists, the setting of menus, the seating, the choice of
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Scholarship
Japanese State Dinners
Following the close of World War II, Japan and the United States developed a close alliance along with strategic and trade partnerships. Beginning with Gerald R. Ford in November 1974, seven U.S. presidents have made journeys to Japan, and the Japanese heads of state and government have also visited the White House. Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko arrived in
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Scholarship
Sports & Recreation
The White House tennis court, first built in 1902 behind the West wing, was moved to the west side of the south lawn in 1909 to make way for the expansion of Executive office space.A heated indoor swimming pool was built in 1933 for Franklin D. Roosevelt's therapy as he was disabled by poliomyelitis. During President Nixon's first term, this space in
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Scholarship
Letter from Our President
July 28th would have been the 86th birthday of one of the great First Ladies in American history; one whose role and influence still has a significant White House legacy. At the young age of 32, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy became First Lady of the United States. She had a vision with wisdom and foresight beyond her years. The influence that she
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Scholarship
White House Christmases Past
The White House observance of Christmas before the twentieth century was not an official event. First families decorated the house modestly with greens and privately celebrated the Yuletide with family and friends. The first White House Christmas tree, decorated with candles and toys, was placed in the second floor oval room, then used as a library and family parlor, in 1889