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Cellist Yo-Yo Ma plays with the Marine Band String Quartet in the Entrance Hall of the White House on February 15, 2011, following his acceptance of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Featuring John Chuldenko, writer, director, and grandson of President Jimmy Carter
Featuring Bartlett Sher, Tony Award-winning Director and Resident Director at Lincoln Center Theater
Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., the nation’s only unelected president and vice president, served thirteen terms in Congress before rising to national attention in 1973, when President Richard Nixon nominated him as vice president. Less than a year later, Ford became president, following President Nixon's resignation from office. The Fords made and celebrated history during their time in the White House, fr
It was President Thomas Jefferson who first established the traditions of a Fourth of July celebration at the White House. President Jefferson opened the house and greeted the people along with diplomats, civil and military officers, and Cherokee chiefs. Since that time, the festivities have evolved to include parades, fireworks, and live music. The Executive Mansion is an enduring symbol
On July 11, 1798, Congress passed legislation that created the United States Marine Corps and the Marine Band, America's oldest professional musical organization. The United States Marine Band has been nicknamed "The President's Own" because of its historic connection to the president of the United States. At its origin, the fledgling band consisted of a Drum Major, a Fife Major and 32 drums
Featuring Betty Monkman, Former White House Curator, and William Kloss, Art Historian
Featuring Jim McDaniel, former Director of the White House Liaison for NPS and Ellie Schafer, former Director of the White House Visitors Office
Featuring Edward Lengel, White House Historical Association Chief Historian, and Matthew Costello, White House Historical Association Senior Historian
President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s advocacy for the arts endures as a vital part of their White House legacy. From 1961 to 1963, the White House became a focal point for the arts and cultural engagement. The Kennedys hosted numerous concerts and performances and infused the Executive Mansion and the country with the same vitality, youth, and id
Featuring Colonel Jason K. Fettig, Director of the U.S. Marine Band
