A White House Historical Association Documentary Captures the Beauty and History Of America’s Most Famous House
For Immediate Release —Where History Lives: A Tour of the White House, an engaging new video, takes you from the Oval Office to the State Rooms where you will travel through some rarely seen areas and behold the living history that resides within the walls of this great edifice. The thirty minute documentary, commissioned by the White House Historical Association in association with WETA, Washington, D.C., was produced and directed by Peter Argentine. It premieres Wednesday, June 2 at 9:00 p.m. on PBS. (Check local listings)
Although built in the experimental years of the new nation and altered over the more than 200-year history, the White House remains the national symbol of the American presidency and perhaps the best-known residence in the world. The tour begins with a welcome from First Lady Laura Bush in the Library and continues through the majestic marble Entrance Hall into the State Rooms, featuring highlights of the historic furnishings and fine arts collection and glimpses of the behind-the-scenes activity in the flower shop and kitchens. The film ends with remarks from the President in the Oval Office.
“A work in progress ever since it was first occupied in 1800 by President John Adams, the building has evolved with the nation and today, each of the 132 rooms serves as a reminder of the events that have shaped the history of America,” said Neil W. Horstman, president of the White House Historical Association.
The music in the film was composed by Todd Hayen and performed by The President’s Own United States Marine Band, Timothy W. Foley, director.
The White House Historical Association was established in 1961 as a non-profit organization to enhance the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the Executive Mansion. Proceeds from the association’s trusts, publications and other items are used to fund acquisitions of historic furnishings and artwork for the permanent White House collection, assist in the preservation of the public rooms, and further its educational mission. Every copy of Where History Lives is accompanied by a teaching guide that complements the film and includes classroom activities for grades 4-12.
WETA Washington, D.C., is the third-largest producing station in the public television system. WETA’s other productions and co-productions include The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, Washington Week, On Stage and documentaries by filmmaker Ken Burns, including the Civil War and Baseball. Sharon Percy Rockefeller is president and CEO. More information on WETA and its programs and services is available on the Website at www.weta.org. The national broadcast presentation of Where History Lives is made possible by the Annenberg Foundation in support of the WETA Program Trust.
For more information or to purchase Where History Lives visit www.whitehousehistory.org.
Price: $14.95 plus $5.00 for packing and delivery
For a review copy contact Maria Downs. mdowns@whha.org
