Collection Dining in the Executive Mansion
A dinner at the White House has always had significance beyond the merely gastronomical. The elegance of the State Dining...
Italy in the White House
Long before the emergence of the United States and Italy as nations, close connections between our two peoples influenced political philosophy, architecture, and culture. Our diplomatic relationship with Italy began long before Italian President Antonio Segni was an official guest of President Lyndon B. Johnson in January of 1964. Since then, many other Italian leaders have visited the Executive Mansion to talk policy, enjoy exquisite meals and top-rate entertainment. In honor of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's State Visit, we reflect on the history and influence of our Italian allies.
Dessert Diplomacy: Honoring the Visiting Country
Entertaining at the White House
Official State Dinners for ruling monarchs or heads of state have a history and protocol dating back to President Ulysses S. Grant.
By The Numbers
State Dinners at the White House
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Collection A Cultural Connection
For over two hundred years France and the United States have enjoyed a relationship unparalleled in world history. From the...
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Collection Diplomacy With Our Northern Neighbors
Geography, history, and friendship have been the driving force of official ties between the United States and Canada. In 1927, our...
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Collection The Hospitality of Diplomacy
The White House has hosted many important heads of state over the years. Typically, the President and First Lady join...
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Bio Abigail Powers Fillmore
First of the first ladies to hold a job after marriage, Abigail Fillmore was helping her husband's career. She was...
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Bio Ida McKinley
There was little resemblance between the petulant invalid who came to the White House with William McKinley in March 1897 and...
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Bio Helen Taft
"Nellie" Herron was born in 1861, and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. She studied music with enthusiasm, attending a private school...
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The Imperial Season
Historian and author William Seale's The Imperial Season: Americas Capital in the Time of the First Ambassadors, 1893-1918 describes a...
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Steve Vasilakes, the White House's Peanut Man
Nicholas Stefanos “Steve” Vasilakes emigrated from Ligerea, Greece, to the United States in 1910 and soon thereafter set up his hot pean...
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Frances Folsom Cleveland's White House Wardrobe
President Grover Cleveland was ill-prepared for the American sovereigns’ (as he referred to the public) fascination with his soon-to-be-bride when he...
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Introduction to the Transcription of the Washington Diary of Elizabeth L.C. Dixon
In November 1845, Elizabeth Lord Cogswell Dixon arrived for the “season” in Washington, D.C., with her family. Her husband, James Dixo...
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A "Dark Horse" in Sunlight and Shadow
When Whig opponents chanted “Who is James K. Polk?” throughout the presidential election of 1844, it was more an attempt to infl...
