Podcast The History of Wine and the White House
From the hearty Madeira to the fine Château Margaux, wine has a long and important history for presidents’ palates and...
Main Content
For more than one hundred years, White House Social Secretaries have demonstrated a profound knowledge of protocol and society in Washington, D.C. The position had its beginnings in the Theodore Roosevelt administration when First Lady Edith Roosevelt hired an executive clerk. From the intricacies of ceremony planning to routine office work, the social secretary must possess unfailing tact in being a liaison for the president and first lady. In this collection, learn more about the position of the White House Social Secretary and its role on the president's staff.
Isabella Hagner is considered the first official social secretary at the White House. First Lady Edith Roosevelt hired Ms. Hagner in 1901. She also worked during the Woodrow Wilson administration. Isabella was an active participant in shaping different elements of White House entertaining, procedures, and protocol, detailing it all in her memoir—a portion of which is published here.
From the hearty Madeira to the fine Château Margaux, wine has a long and important history for presidents’ palates and...
A State Dinner honoring a visiting head of government or reigning monarch is one of the grandest and most glamorous...
From First Lady Dolley Madison's sister Lucy Payne Washington's wedding in 1812 to the nuptials of President Joseph Biden and First...
Throughout its history, the White House has hosted not only important ceremonies of state, but also more personal, family ceremonies,...
The White House Military Social Aides have played an important role in many different White House events and functions. They...
A dinner at the White House has always had significance beyond the gastronomical delights. The elegance of the State Dining...
Long before the emergence of the United States and Italy as modern nation states were influenced by classical writers, philosophers,...
While the presidency is often in the eye of the public, those who ensure operations at the White House run...
Wine has a long and important history in the White House, playing a unique role in entertaining, public ceremonies, and...
From diplomatic dinners to holiday gatherings, the White House has always played a central role in the nation’s official en...
In 1816, Commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr. and his wife Susan moved to the nascent capital city of Washington, D.C. With...
Military Social Aides perform a vital role for White House events, assisting the Social Secretary and representing the President and...