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Collection
Cherry Blossoms
Since the first cherry blossom planting in 1912 by First Lady Helen Herron Taft, Washingtonians have celebrated the scenic beauty and the coming of spring the cherry trees represent. Today, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place in early spring when the blossoms are in full bloom, has become a major event, drawing tourists and locals alike. First ladies have
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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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Collection
Women and the White House
While there has yet to be a female president, women have played an integral role in shaping the White House and its history. From first ladies and hostesses to demonstrators and enslaved workers, women have been intricately involved with the White House since its inception. In this collection, find a sampling of stories about women and their work in the
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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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Podcast
The President's Helicopter
Featuring Former HMX-1 pilots Colonel Steve Taylor and Colonel Kevin Wild, and Sikorsky President Dan Schultz
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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
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Collection
The Kennedy White House 1961-1963
At age 43, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the youngest person ever elected to the presidency. Before his vibrant presidency was cut short by an assassin's bullets on November 22, 1963, he had reinvigorated the American spirit. His optimism and belief in America's responsibilities to the world live on as part of his legacy.
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Collection
The White House Behind the Scenes
While the presidency is often in the eye of the public, those who ensure operations at the White House run smoothly on a day-to-day basis often carry out their work behind the scenes. Furthermore, some of the president's most intimate relationships play out behind the walls of the Executive Mansion. In this collection, pull back the curtain on some of