Springtime at the White House Released as 1600 Sessions Latest Podcast Episode by the White House Historical Association
Cherry Blossoms, White House Easter Egg Roll, and Passover among episode highlightsWashington, D.C. —
The White House Historical Association today released its third episode, “Springtime at the White House,” in the 1600 Sessions podcast series. This episode celebrates the iconic events that welcome tens of thousands of visitors to the White House each year to celebrate the beginning of spring.
Association President Stewart McLaurin interviews Jim McDaniel, former Director of the White House Liaison for the National Park Service, and Ellie Schafer, former Director of the White House Visitors Office, about preserving the grounds and gardens and planning popular events from the Spring Garden Tour to the Easter Egg Roll.
This timely and playful episode also gives an inside look at the work that goes into caring for the 18-acre White House grounds during the busiest time of the year. Filled with stories about springtime events (and when they can go wrong), this episode tells how the National Park Service and White House Visitors Office help fulfill the iconic role of the White House as the People’s House.
Ellie Schafer describes how springtime spirit at the busy visitors office meant “no two days at the White House were the same.” After all, as Jim McDaniel points out: “the White House serves as a home for the first family, it’s a historic house museum open to the public, and it’s also a stage for world events, and all three of those roles have to work in balance.”
In this fascinating podcast series, White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin interviews luminaries, historians and eyewitnesses to history about America’s most famous residence and office – the White House. Each episode includes a prominent guest or guests to discuss varying facets of White House history, including insights from former staff and many other topical issues.
The 1600 Sessions is available on iTunes, GooglePlay, SoundCloud, and Stitcher. To hear the full episode, visit The1600Sessions.org.
For Media: B-roll footage of interview available for use upon request. Additional White House Easter and Spring resources are available on the Association’s press room WhiteHouseHistory.org/press.
P.D.F. Resources
Download the ReleaseAbout 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.