MEET THE AUTHORS: Summer Book Signings at the White House History Shop
Featuring Former White House Chef Roland Mesnier, Former White House Curator Betty Monkman, and Artist Peter Waddell Among OthersWashington, D.C. —
The White House Historical Association (WHHA) will host a series of book signings on select Friday afternoons in June and July at its White House History Shop, providing an opportunity for visitors to meet award-winning authors and purchase personalized books.
Book signings are free and open to the public.
WHERE: White House History Shop, 1610 H Street NW, Washington, D.C.
WHEN: Select Fridays in June and July, 12-2PM
Meet the Authors Schedule:
Friday, June 21
Chef Roland Mesnier, author of The White House in Gingerbread: Memories & Recipes
Chef Roland Mesnier was the executive pastry chef at the White House from 1979 to 2004. During his 25-year tenure, he served five United States presidents and their distinguished guests. In his memoir and book, Mesnier tells the story behind each of the holiday gingerbread houses he created for display in the White House State Dining Room and shares step-by-step instructions and templates for creating a gingerbread house.
Friday, July 12
Former White House Curator and author Betty Monkman, author of The Living White House, The White House: Its Historic Furnishings and First Families, and The White House: An Historic Guide
Monkman served more than 30 years in the Office of the Curator at the White House, retiring as Chief Curator in 2002. Her books are a testament to her extensive knowledge of the Executive Mansion.
Friday, July 19
Contributor Lauren McGwin and Artist Peter Waddell, authors of White House History Quarterly # 53, “Turning Points in the White House”
McGwin is the author of the Quarterly article, “The First Ladies as Scene Builders: An Artist’s Gallery of Changes at the White House,” which includes illustrations by artist Peter Waddell. Waddell is best known for his paintings of the history and architecture of Washington, D.C. An Artist Visits the White House Past, a collection of 14 paintings commissioned by the White House Historical Association, which was exhibited at the White House Visitor Center in 2011. His paintings have been featured in Association books and its White House History Quarterly.
Friday, July 26
Contributor Kristen Hunter, author of White House History Quarterly #52, “Mid-Century Fashion and First Ladies: From Ready to Wear to Haute Couture”
In the 52nd edition of the Quarterly, Hunter wrote, “The Mamie Look: The Americanness of First Lady Mamie Eisenhower's Off-the-Rack Fashions.”
All publications are available for purchase in the White House History Shop and online at shop.whitehousehistory.org.
If you would like to schedule an author interview, please contact press@whha.org.
P.D.F. Resources
Download the PDFAbout the White House Historical Association
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.
To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.