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Collection
Truman White House 1945 - 1953
President Harry S. Truman was close to his friends and associates, had a grin for strangers, but could be less than tolerant of some critics. The famous sign placed on his desk in the Oval Office, “The Buck Stops Here,” made it clear that as president he was responsible for all that happened on his watch. He came to the pres
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Collection
James Hoban: Architect of the White House
James Hoban's life is a memorable Irish-American success story. In his boyhood he learned the craft of carpenter and wheelwright, and became an architect by profession and a builder by trade. Hoban came to America with high ambitions, and designed and erected many buildings; but what keeps his name alive today arises from one special commission—he was the architect of
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Collection
Eisenhower White House 1953 - 1961
Dwight D. Eisenhower was the only army general elected president in the twentieth century. His achievements were many — he was an innovator and had strong executive ability and the gift of command. From his regular television appearances and use of helicopters to the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Interstate Highway System, Eisenhower displayed leadership and a
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Collection
The 2019 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 of millions of American families. In this collection, explore the history behind our 2019 design and learn more about President Dwight D. Eisenhower's comm
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Collection
A Tour of the White House
In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy resolved to make the White House a “living museum” by restoring the historic integrity of the public rooms and displaying the very best of American artwork, furniture, and décor. In order to fulfill her vision, Mrs. Kennedy founded the White House Historical Association, a private, non-profit organization created in partnership with the National Park Servi
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Collection
Presidential Pastimes
Although the presidency is an often all-consuming job, many presidents have found solace in their various hobbies and pastimes. When not shaping the path of our nation, presidents can be found fishing, painting, watching baseball, and riding horses. With each new administration comes a new set of hobbies, some of which are examined in this collection.
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Collection
By Land, By Sea, By Air
Whether by hoof, air, waterway, road, or rail, the President’s access to reliable transportation is essential during their time in the Executive Mansion. Modes of transportation have varied over the course of time as technology and the individual presidents’ needs have changed. While George Washington may have thought a well-bred horse was the pinnacle of mobility, subsequent presidents would find
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Collection
The Historic Stephen Decatur House
In 1816, Commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr. and his wife Susan moved to the nascent capital city of Washington, D.C. With the prize money he received from his naval feats, Decatur purchased the entire city block on the northwest corner of today’s Lafayette Square. The Decaturs commissioned Benjamin Henry Latrobe, one of America’s first professional architects, to design and buil
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Podcast
George Washington’s Legacy
Featuring Dr. Matthew Costello, Assistant Director of the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History, White House Historian
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Collection
Intrepid Innovation
The computer, the car, space travel. These technologies, while seemingly old hat now, are examples of monumental technological advancement. Even less glamorous technologies such as the modern bathroom, electrical lighting, and electric vacuum cleaners have fundamentally shaped modern life. For many of these technologies, the White House has acted as a testing ground, ultimately demonstrating to the American people their
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Podcast
Presidential Leadership in Times of Challenge: FDR and LBJ
Featuring Paul Sparrow, Director, Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum and Mark Updegrove, President & CEO, LBJ Foundation