Over the years, White House egg roll events have been made memorable by new attractions. In 1993, the Clintons scaled back the fanfare so that children would remember the day for its egg rolling games. A generation earlier, First Lady Pat Nixon gave out certificates of participation as a souvenir to eggrollers. First Ladies Betty Ford and Rosalynn Carter distributed plastic

The primary Easter Monday entertainment at the White House has always involved egg rolling. Participants roll dyed, hard-boiled eggs across the grass to see whose will go the furthest before cracking. Other egg sports enjoyed in the early years were egg ball, toss and catch, egg croquet and egg picking—a contest where eggs are pecked together until they crack. Af

As the Easter Monday event became more of an attraction, a rule was fixed to limit the number of people coming into the enclosed South Lawn. The rule stated that a "grown person would be admitted only when accompanied by a child" and vice versa. As a result, unescorted egg rollers and childless adults began teaming up at random so

Ah, springtime! The weather is getting warmer, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and the sounds of playtime will echo across the South Grounds of the White House. Let’s celebrate spring with the White House 360 Tour: Spring Scavenger Hunt 2024 Edition. As you make your way through the tour, you’ll learn about the Easter Egg Roll, the cherry trees at t

A group of physicians and surgeons meeting in Washington 1891 was treated to a reception at the White House on the evening of September 24. President Benjamin Harrison moved among the gathering, and "extended a hearty grasp to each of the doctors."1 The event included "lively airs" by the Marine band, and a chance to wander through the conservatory and reception rooms.

April 29, 1876 – President Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation protecting the public turf and grounds of the U.S. Capitol; egg rolling was among the activities banned. April 2, 1877 – It rained on Easter Monday, so the new law did not have to be enforced. April 22, 1878 - The first annual White House Easter Egg Roll was held after President Rutherford B. Hayes agreed to open

JAMES ARCHER ABBOTT is the Executive Director of the Lewes Historical Society in Lewes, Delaware. His publications include JANSEN, JANSEN Furniture, and Baltimore’s Billy Baldwin. He is the co-author of Designing Camelot. (WHH #60) WILLIAM ADAIR is a frame historian, conservator, and gilder in Washington, D.C. (WHH #54) MATTHEW ALGEO is a writer and journalist. He is the author of se

2023 2023 Best Book Awards Furnishing the White House: The Decorative Arts Collection, Finalist, Art Life in the White House, Finalist, History: United States The Official White House Christmas Ornament: Collected Stories of a Holiday Tradition, Winner, Novelty & Gift Book Rocco at the White House Easter Egg Roll, Finalist, Children's Nonfiction Rocco at the White House Easter Egg Roll, Finalist, Children's

Official Residences Around the World by Abby Clouse-Radigan This survey of the official residences and offices of some fifty nations around the world represents nearly one thousand years of building and renovating. Who lives in these residences? What were their original purposes and how have they been adapted for modern use? How do they project and preserve each nation's heritage?

Jim AdamsJim Adams has been gardening in Washington, D.C., for over 25 years. His D.C. career began at the U.S. National Arboretum, where he worked in the Fern Valley Native Plant Garden and then became Curator of the National Herb Garden. Following this, he served as Head Horticulturist for the British Ambassador’s Residence and then moved to th

The 1600 SessionsThe 1600 Sessions is a podcast hosted by White House Historical Association President Stewart D. McLaurin, that explores the history, untold stories, and personal accounts of America’s most iconic residence and office – The White House. Drawing on his own experiences, relationships, and knowledge he provides listeners with a front row seat to history at the White House. Through these conv

Since joining the White House Historical Association in 2014, Stewart McLaurin has had been published a number of times. Topics range from the construction of the White House, First Lady history, the Easter Egg Roll, and others related to White House History. See below for a selected list of Stewart’s articles and publications. External Publications USA Today Opinion Columns When yo