White House Historical Association Honors Designer and Builder of the White House
Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony for James Hoban
Washington, D.C. —
The White House Historical Association placed a wreath at the gravesite of James Hoban, Irish immigrant and the designer and builder of the White House, on Thursday, March 21 at 11:00AM at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Washington, D.C. In 2021, the Association restored the gravesite of Hoban and has held an annual wreath placement ceremony every year since.
See images from Thursday’s wreath placement ceremony
Thursday’s ceremony included remarks from:
Stewart McLaurin, President of The White House Historical Association
Her Excellency Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States
Most Reverand Roy E. Campbell Jr., Auxiliary Bishop of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington
Monsignor Séamus Horgan, Apostolic Nunciature to the United States of America
Vice State Regent Yvonne Liser, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Donald Connolly, State President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians
Eric B. Kuchner, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia
Oscar Viera, Master of Federal Lodge No. 1 of Free and Accepted Masons
Reverand Patrick S. Lewis, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
In 1792, James Hoban’s design for the President’s House was selected by the Commissioners for the District of Columbia with the approval of President George Washington. Hoban's contributions to the early growth and development of Washington, D.C., as architect, builder, mason, captain of a militia company, civic leader, and pillar of the Roman Catholic community, maintain his memory and reputation to this day.
This event was made possible thanks to the generosity of Tim and Anita McBride.
Learn more about James Hoban and the history of between Ireland and the United States in a new episode of the Association’s The White House 1600 Sessions podcast which features a conversation about the relationship between the two countries beyond the month of March and St. Patrick’s Day. In this episode, Stewart McLaurin, president of the Association, sits down with Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, to discuss the depth of America’s Irish roots, and the diplomacy and investment driving a longstanding friendship built on a spirit of independence.
For more information, 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.