Inside the White House: Stories from the World's Most Famous Residence
Gallery
-
Gilbert Stuart's 1797 portrait of George Washington was taken down from the East Room wall in 2004 and reframed to better preserve it.
White House Historical Association -
The White House blanketed in snow after a snowstorm on the morning of Feb. 3, 2010.
Official White House photo by Pete Souza -
The intricate carving of roses and acorns on the North Door surrounding and above the north portal reflects the skill of Scottish stonemasons who worked on the White House. The carvings were completed about 1796.
White House Historical Association -
As part of the refurnishing of the White House after the fire of 1814, President James Monroe ordered for the dining room a large gilded bronze plateau—a removable tabletop—that is still used today.
White House Historical Association -
First Lady Michelle Obama thanks the chefs for their work on the state dinner for German Chancellor Angela Merkel held in the Rose Garden in 2011. Colored lights projected above the guests created the intricate design on the west wall of the White House.
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza -
Photographers crowd President John F. Kennedy for a close-up during a briefing in the Oval Office in 1962, at the time of the Cuban missile crisis.
Robert Knudsen, White House/John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum/NARA -
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy poses in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, during a diplomatic goodwill trip to Pakistan and India in 1962.
White House Photographs, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum/NARA -
Kentucky-born cook Dolly Johnson photographed in the small family kitchen, ca. 1893. Johnson came to the White House in 1889, with the Benjamin Harrison family and stayed through four presidential administrations.
Library of Congress -
President Richard Nixon rolls the ball toward the pins in the Old Executive Office Building bowling alley. The Nixons had a one-lane bowling alley built at the White House in 1969.
National Archives -
President Barack Obama holds 3-D glasses while watching the Super Bowl game at a Super Bowl Party in the family theater of the White House, Feb. 1, 2009 .
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza -
First Lady Grace Coolidge holds her pet raccoon, Rebecca, which she took on walks with a leash.
Library of Congress, National Photo Company Collection -
The South Portico of the White House is reflected on the hood of the presidential limousine, prior to President Barack Obama's departure for the Human Rights Campaign dinner, Oct. 10, 2009.
Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy -
Suffragist Alison Turnbull Hopkins holds a protest banner at the northwest gate of the White House, c. 1917.
Library of Congress
About this Gallery
In collaboration with the White House Historical Association, National Geographic offers INSIDE THE WHITE HOUSE: Stories from the World's Most Famous Residence (National Geographic Books; hardcover; $40). With a foreword by former First Lady Laura Bush and an introduction by historian and author William Seale, the book presents a vivid account of the people who have lived and worked in this symbolic building and highlights many of the fascinating events that have taken place there. The book also includes an illustrated gallery of the official portraits of all of the presidents and first ladies and a full index.
The book, by Noel Grove with William B. Bushong and Joel D. Treese, opens the doors to America's most famous home through images, anecdotes and records that describe life within its walls. The world of the White House is presented by theme, including the building and its architecture; its 18 acres of gardens and grounds; the West Wing; first ladies; entertaining, celebrating and the holidays; the working White House; at home in the White House; diplomacy and ceremony; and innovations and technology. The stories and insights allow readers to share the excitement and stresses that come with the job of being president or his support staff.
You Might Also Like
-
-
PodcastWhite House Builder James Hoban’s Irish Roots
Featuring Laurie Grace, Chairman of the James Hoban Society of Ireland; Brother Christy O’Carroll, Congregation of Christian Brothers; Ciarán O’Connor, State Architect of Ireland; Merlo Kelly, Senior Architect, Lotts Architecture & Urbanism; Brian O’Connell, Director and Founder of O’Connell Mahon Architects and a contributor to the book James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House
-
CollectionWeddings and the White House
From First Lady Dolley Madison's sister Lucy Payne Washington's wedding in 1812 to the nuptials of President Joseph Biden and First Lady Jill Biden's granddaughter Naomi Biden on the South Lawn in November 2022, the White House has long been the site of wedding ceremonies and receptions. In over two hundred years, there have been nineteen documented weddings and four receptions hosted
-
CollectionThe Ford White House 1974 - 1977
Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., the nation’s only unelected president and vice president, served thirteen terms in Congress before rising to national attention in 1973, when President Richard Nixon nominated him as vice president. Less than a year later, Ford became president, following President Nixon's resignation from office. The Fords made and celebrated history during their time in the White House, fr
-
Podcast250 Years of American Political Leadership
Featuring Iain Dale, award-winning British author and radio and podcast host
-
PodcastU.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies
Featuring Anita McBride, founding member of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education and co-author of U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies
-
PodcastThe History of Wine and the White House
Featuring Frederick J. Ryan, author of “Wine and the White House: A History" and member of the White House Historical Association’s National Council on White House History
-
PodcastAmerica’s Irish Roots
Featuring Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States
-
PodcastDinner with the President
Featuring Alex Prud’homme, bestselling author and great-nephew of cooking legend Julia Child
-
PodcastBecoming FDR: The Personal Crisis That Made a President
Featuring Jonathan Darman, author of “Becoming FDR: The Personal Crisis That Made a President"
-
CollectionThe 2023 White House Christmas Ornament
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament. These unique collectibles — honoring individual presidents or specific White House anniversaries — have become part of the holiday tradition for millions of American families. In this collection, explore the history behind our 2023 design & learn more about President Gerald R. Ford. Buy
-
PodcastBlair House: The President’s Guest House
Featuring The Honorable Capricia Marshall, Ambassador Stuart Holliday, and Matthew Wendel
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
