History Happy Hour: Vacationer in Chief - A History of Presidential Getaways

Since the creation of the American presidency, the country’s leaders and their families have taken vacations away from the White House. From ice cream on Martha’s Vineyard to hauling brush on Western ranches, even presidents need to unplug. Long years have passed since an American president abandoned the White House for most of the summer to go home and take care of his personal business. Time away from the White House must be fitted into the great puzzle of its overall responsibilities. Dr. Colleen Shogan and historian Lina Mann will join us from the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History to share more about presidential getaways including Camp David, Rancho del Cielo, and Prairie Chapel Ranch.

Kicking off the episode will be Bridget Albert, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Senior National Director of Education Beam Suntory, author of Market-Fresh Mixology, and co-hostess of the podcast Served Up. Bridget will be mixing up the Summer in Manhattan Float.

History Happy Hour is a biweekly virtual program hosted by the White House Historical Association. Join us as experts weigh in on a variety of historical topics, share their insights, answer audience questions, and enjoy presidential-inspired libations.

Did you know members of the Association have access to all previous History Happy Hour episodes? Become a member here.