Presented by the White House Historical Association
Presidential Portraits
- Host
- Stewart McLaurin
- Guest
- Betty Monkman, Former White House Curator, and William Kloss, Art Historian
- Date
- 2/23/17
- Duration
- 34 minutes
Portrait artists have captured the image and personality of our presidents throughout history, providing a record of their time in office and highlighting their accomplishments and leadership. It wasn’t always tradition to commission a portrait for the president, as it is today. Each one comes with a unique story, from the symbolism in the portrait to the artist who painted it. White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin talks to Former White House Curator Betty Monkman and Art Historian William Kloss to learn more about the history of these portraits, how the White House began to collect them, and the stories they tell.
Browse the Presidential Portraits and First Lady Portraits.
Episodes
-
A White House of Stone
Featuring Historian and Author Dr. William Seale
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British Invasion to French Restoration
Featuring Edward Lengel, White House Historical Association Chief Historian, and Matthew Costello, White House Historical Association Senior Historian
-
Springtime at the White House
Featuring Jim McDaniel, former Director of the White House Liaison for NPS and Ellie Schafer, former Director of the White House Visitors Office
-
Presidential Portraits
Featuring Betty Monkman, Former White House Curator, and William Kloss, Art Historian
-
Moving Day
Featuring Anita McBride, Former Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush
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Introduction
Featuring Stewart McLaurin, White House Historical Association President
President of the White House Historical Association
As President of the White House Historical Association Stewart McLaurin leads the nonpartisan, nonprofit in its mission to preserve, protect, and provide access to White House history. As a lifelong student of history, Stewart is an avid reader and storyteller. His first book, White House Miscellany was published this past year and he authors a quarterly column in the White House History Journal. Drawing on his own experiences, relationships, and knowledge he provides listeners with a front row seat to history at the White House.