African American Performers at the White House
Beginning with James Buchanan’s administration in the 1850s, black entertainers have held a prime spot among White House performers. Th...
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First Family Life
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Wedding Ceremonies Held at the White House
Eighteen White House weddings have been documented: March 29, 1812 Lucy Payne Washington (the sister of Dolley Madison) married Thomas Todd on...
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White House Associations with Public Schools in the District of Columbia
After the Civil War, the nation's capital became a magnet for foreign diplomats and people who had made fortunes in...
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White House Ghost Stories
1862-1863: Mary Todd Lincoln, grieving over her son Willies death in February, began to participate in spirit circles or seances...
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Halloween at the White House
Halloween has been celebrated at the White House in various ways since the mid-20th century. Here is how different...
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Thanksgiving at the White House
Thanksgiving at the White House is a quiet holiday for the presidents family, featuring a meal that traditionally included turkey,...
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USS Potomac: Franklin Roosevelt's Presidential Yacht
Many presidents have used ships for both relaxation and diplomacy. From fishing to meetings with foreign dignitaries, water travel provides...
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Fourth of July Celebrations at the White House in the 19th Century
The People's House: Thomas Jefferson began the tradition of a public reception to celebrate the Fourth of July in 1801. The...
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"A Journey into Nowhere"
By the summer of 1946, President Harry S. Truman needed a vacation. Catapulted into the presidency by the sudden death of...
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The Working White House: First Family
In the day-to-day life of the White House, interactions between the first family and the residence staff have varied widely....
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The Working White House: Memorable Times
The memories of White House workers include not only times of grief, war, and political tension, but also charming moments...
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White House Thanksgiving Turkeys in the Roaring '20s
First families received turkeys as gifts long before the 1920s. Horace Vose, the “Poultry King” of southwestern Rhode Island, first sent...