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iCivics Games
In partnership with iCivics, the White House Historical Association has co-created a new interactive game that allows players to explore American history and the presidency by serving as a presidential advisor during critical moments in history. With a focus on listening and contextualizing, Brief the Chief introduces students to the variety of voices that influence the president. Throughout the game,
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About Us
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President Johnson and Civil Rights
A master of the art of practical politics, Lyndon Johnson came into the White House after the tragedy of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. He was energetic, shrewd, and hugely ambitious. Clifford Alexander, Jr., deputy counsel to the president and an African American, remembered President Johnson as a larger-than-life figure who was a tough but fair taskmaster. His le
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White House Tour
Following a competition for the design of the President's House in the spring of 1792, Irish architect James Hoban was commissioned to build a home and office for the President of the United States. With guidance from President George Washington, Hoban employed craftsmen brought from as far away as Scotland and oversaw a free and enslaved labor force that constructed one
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White House Associations with Public Schools in the District of Columbia
After the Civil War, the nation's capital became a magnet for foreign diplomats and people who had made fortunes in the North and West. They flocked to the city to influence policy and to seek support from and influence with the United States. Among the schools frequented by their children was the Force School, located at 1740 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, close
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White House Horses
American presidents throughout history have appreciated the utility and admired the grandeur of the horse. The visual image of the hero elevated on horseback has been a constant presence in equestrian art and public sculpture throughout the world. George Washington regarded horses as a source of pardonable pride, and his warhorses were of great importance to him as loyal companions
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Carriages of the Presidents
Before the twentieth century, the presidents' vehicles were not armored-plated or specially built. Their carriages were similar to those of citizens of wealth. Often they were gifts from admirers. George Washington had the most elaborate turn out of the presidents for state occasions, sporting a cream-colored carriage drawn by six matched horses "all brilliantly caparisoned." Coachmen and footmen wore livery
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Equestrian Sports & Leisure Pursuits
Many modern presidents have had a casual interest in horseback riding, particularly as a vacation sport. However, no modern president has had a stronger association with horses than Ronald Reagan. His career in films and his own recreation demanded that he ride well. As president, he was comfortable in the saddle or simply working with his horses. Nothing pleased him
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Presidents at the Races
No sport created more excitement, enthusiasm and interest in the colonial period and the early republic than horse racing. Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson took immense pride in their horses and bred them to improve the bloodlines of saddle, work, carriage and racehorses. Early presidents loved horse racing, the most popular sport in America at that time. George Washington,
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Reading Lists & Bibliography
General White House Bibliography:Aikman, Lonnelle. The Living White House. Washington, D.C.: The White House Historical Association, 1996. Cunliffe, Marcus. The American Heritage History of the Presidency. New York: American Heritage Publishing Company, 1968. Dowd, Mary-Jane M., compiler. Records of the Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks of the National Capital - Record Group 42 Inventory No. 16. Washington, D.C.: National
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2015 Official White House Christmas Ornament
The White House Historical Association commissions the official White House Christmas ornament each year. This is the 35th ornament in the series begun in 1981. The ornament honors 30th U.S. President Calvin Coolidge and the first National Christmas Tree lighting in 1923. This is the first ornament to contain technology. A small LED light bulb integrated into the design illuminates the