It is hard to imagine that it was something as casual as a lunch conversation between a newly elected president and an amateur gardener that gave rise to one of our nation's most iconic outdoor spaces. In this collection, Rose Garden designer Rachel Lambert Mellon explains how the grounds were so thoughtfully transformed, while others detail the White House's diverse
Since 1878, American presidents and their families have celebrated Easter Monday by hosting an "egg roll" party. Held on the South Lawn, it is one of the oldest annual events in White House history. It has changed and evolved through the years and each First Family has put their stamp on the popular public event. From the roll's origins to today,
The White House Grounds began as approximately 85 acres of land chosen by George Washington and was refined and cultivated by garden-loving President Thomas Jefferson. These shifting grounds around the Executive Mansion have seen retaining walls, green houses, vegetable gardens, and beautiful flowers. Changes to the landscape came in long intervals and evolved to fit the era and the needs of
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
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.
A group of physicians and surgeons meeting in Washington 1891 was treated to a reception at the White House on the evening of September 24. President Benjamin Harrison moved among the gathering, and "extended a hearty grasp to each of the doctors."1 The event included "lively airs" by the Marine band, and a chance to wander through the conservatory and reception rooms.
NUMBERS 1 THROUGH 6 (COLLECTION I)
WHITE HOUSE HISTORY • NUMBER 1
1 — Foreword by Melvin M. Payne
5 — President Kennedy’s Rose Garden by Rachel Lambert Mellon
13 — White House Album: History in the Camera’s Eye by Oliver Jensen
23 — The Association’s Twentieth Year by Nash Castro
29 — History in White House Silver by Joseph D. Carr
39 — Stone Walls Preserved by James I. McDaniel
46 — A Colored Man’s Reminiscences of
2023
2023 Best Book Awards
Furnishing the White House: The Decorative Arts Collection, Finalist, Art
Life in the White House, Finalist, History: United States
The Official White House Christmas Ornament: Collected Stories of a Holiday Tradition, Winner, Novelty & Gift Book
Rocco at the White House Easter Egg Roll, Finalist, Children's Nonfiction
Rocco at the White House Easter Egg Roll, Finalist, Children's
Since joining the White House Historical Association in 2014, Stewart McLaurin has had been published a number of times. Topics range from the construction of the White House, First Lady history, the Easter Egg Roll, and others related to White House History. See below for a selected list of Stewart’s articles and publications.
External Publications
USA Today Opinion Columns
When yo
2023
DC Journal, A Presidents’ Day Reflection: The Intertwined History of the U.S. and Nations OverseasThe Edinburgh Reporter, Presidents’ Day ceremony held in Edinburgh
On June 12, 1971, Tricia Nixon, daughter of President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon, married Edward Finch Cox in the Rose Garden. In this excerpt from The White House Family Cookbook, which features over 250 recipes, former White House Executive Chef Henry Haller describes creating Tricia Nixon's famous wedding cake.