Collection Women and the White House
While there has yet to be a female president, women have played an integral role in shaping the White House...
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In the early decades of the republic a president's wife, like other wives, seldom displayed her private life to the eyes of the public. Few images of first ladies in recreational roles appeared until the early twentieth century, when American women gained new status and freedom in a fast-changing society.
Today along with the title first lady, the president's wife inherits a host of public duties and a mountain of responsibilities that never seem to crest. She has the most demanding, the most complex volunteer assignment in our country. Time spent in leisure activities provides an opportunity to relax away from the demands of public duties and to enjoy a private life out of the public eye.
Jacqueline Kennedy rides with John Jr. and Caroline on their farm in Middleburg, Virginia, on November 19, 1962.
Patricia Nixon takes a ride around the South grounds of the White House in a Park Drag, a four-in-hand coach, driven by its owner George Weymouth. Members of the board of directors of the Washington International Horse Show arrived at the White House in the vintage coach to invite Mrs. Nixon to their charity event, October 27, 1970.
Lady Bird Johnson astride Silver Jay with Senator Lyndon B. Johnson at the family ranch in Texas, 1959.
Nancy Reagan often rode with President Reagan at Rancho Del Cielo in the mountains above Santa Barbara, California.
While there has yet to be a female president, women have played an integral role in shaping the White House...
Presidents have found different ways to escape the pressures and politics of the position. For early leaders, it was a...
What was it like to grow up in a home where some of the most important political decisions are being...
At age 43, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the youngest person ever elected to the presidency. Before his vibrant presidency was cut...
In this first episode of 2021, White House Historical Association President Stewart D. McLaurin introduces the Association’s popular virtual program Hi...
On November 22, 1963, about two hours after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson took the...
Biographies & Portraits
From diplomatic dinners to holiday gatherings, the White House has always played a central role in the nation’s official en...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
Since the first cherry blossom planting in 1912 by First Lady Helen Herron Taft, Washingtonians have celebrated the scenic beauty and...
Biographies & Portraits
Dwight D. Eisenhower was the only army general elected president in the twentieth century. His achievements were many — he was an...