President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s advocacy for the performing arts endures as a vital part of the Kennedy White House legacy. From 1961 to 1963, the White House became a focal point for arts and culture as the administration hosted numerous concerts and performances. One of the most significant White House concerts during the Kennedy years took pl

The White House is often referred to as the “people’s house.” Indeed, many people from across the United States have influenced the White House in a variety of ways. From elder statesmen to young innovators, the state of Indiana can proudly claim numerous connections with the White House – both with the physical building and with those who have occupied it. Ind

In 1848, Senator Daniel Webster of Massachusetts was offered the vice-presidential nomination for the Whig Party, alongside presidential nominee Zachary Taylor. Webster, known for his oratory and quick wit, allegedly responded, “I do not propose to be buried until I am really dead and in my coffin.”1 Notwithstanding Webster’s observation, the vice presidency as an office has gradually grown in power

Neil W. Horstman retired this spring, thus ending a distinguished career with the White House Historical Association. He led the organization for twenty years. We offer this appreciative tribute to him, a man of vision who generously paved the way for all of us.Horstman was a well-known figure in historic preservation long before he came to the Association. Notable

July 28th would have been the 86th birthday of one of the great First Ladies in American history; one whose role and influence still has a significant White House legacy. At the young age of 32, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy became First Lady of the United States. She had a vision with wisdom and foresight beyond her years. The influence that she

Historian and author William Seale's The Imperial Season: Americas Capital in the Time of the First Ambassadors, 1893-1918 describes a little-explored period of United States history when the U.S. emerged from more than a century of relative isolation to a significant international role. Published by Smithsonian Books, The Imperial Season is available for purchase.Research for The Imperial Season

WASHINGTON, Monday—Saturday was really a hectic day for me, ending up with a few minutes broadcast right in the middle of dinner, but everyone else went gaily on eating and I was back before the next course was served. Since it was Jimmy's1 birthday, we all drank his health and sent him a round-robin telegram. We tried very hard at