The President's Neighborhood
Since the White House was first occupied by President John Adams in 1800, influential people and organizations—or those who hoped to have influence—have bought property and built homes and offices along the streets surrounding the White House. For more than two centuries, this neighborhood has been the setting for political decision-making and diplomacy, social gatherings and protests, wartime expediencies and peacetime hospitality. In this collection, we invite you to learn more about these landmarks in the President’s Neighborhood and their historic significance.
Good Neighbors: FDR, Major Gist, and Blair House
The History of Lafayette Park
Monuments to the American Revolution
The President's Park
The Evolution of Lafayette Park and the Ellipse
Making Religion Fashionable
Benjamin Henry Latrobe and St. John's Church
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Podcast The Next Generation: What the White House Means to Me
From reflections to a historical lightning round, Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, catches up with the...
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Collection The Johnson White House 1963 - 1969
On November 22, 1963, about two hours after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson took the...
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Podcast Gigi at the White House
Although visitors from around the world have the opportunity to visit the White House every year, few kids have the...
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Podcast The Triumph of Nancy Reagan
Nancy Reagan was an iconic First Lady who helped shape the legacy of one of the most consequential presidencies of...
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Collection The Decatur House Slave Quarters
In 1821-1822, Susan Decatur requested the construction of a service wing. The first floor featured a large kitchen, dining room,...
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Podcast Abraham Lincoln, Robert Burns, and the Scottish Connection
There is a long history of Scottish influence on the White House, dating back to the Scottish stonemasons that contributed...
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Podcast Incomparable Grace: JFK in the Presidency
Mark K. Updegrove shares new historical perspectives on the Kennedy presidency from his recent book, Incomparable Grace: JFK in the...
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Collection Art in the White House
The collection of fine art at the White House has evolved and grown over time. The collection began with mostly...
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Podcast Recipes from the President’s Ranch
When you’re cooking for the president and first family, your meals and recipes become a part of history. In th...
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Podcast James Hoban, Designer and Builder of the White House
James Hoban came from humble beginnings as a young carpenter and architect in Ireland, and went on to collaborate with...
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Podcast The History and Making of the Official White House Christmas Ornaments
Since 1981, the White House Historical Association has created the Official White House Christmas Ornament. Collecting and gifting these unique ornaments...
