NEW Book by Stewart D. McLaurin The White House: Designed by James Hoban, Built by Many Hands!
The Story of the Irish-Born Architect James Hoban and Those Who Labored to Build the White House
Washington, D.C. —
Today the White House Historical Association announces the presale of The White House: Designed by James Hoban, Built by Many Hands! In this book, Stewart D. McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, shares the story of White House architect James Hoban and those who constructed the White House including Scottish stonemasons, Irish builders, and enslaved laborers of African descent. The book explores the various roles of the builders and laborers as well as the later rebuilding of the house and the addition of the South and North Porticos.
The book begins with James Hoban’s journey from his birthplace of County Kilkenny, Ireland in 1755. He contributed to the designed many important buildings in the city before moving to America. Later, President George Washington chose Hoban to design the White House after learning about his expertise while visiting Charleston, South Carolina.
The White House: Designed by James Hoban, Built by Many Hands! is the sixth in a series of children's books about White House life and history published by the White House Historical Association.
Pre-order The White House: Designed by James Hoban, Built by Many Hands!
This title retails for $9.95.
Author Biography
Stewart D. McLaurin has served as president of the White House Historical Association since 2014. He is also the author of James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House published in 2021 by the White House Historical Association.
Illustrator Biography
John Hutton is a professor of art history at Salem College, and the illustrator of a collection of children’s books published by the White House Historical Association. He lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
For more information or to request an interview with the author or illustrator, 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.