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,...
Jubilee Singers at the White House
Transcription of an 1882 newspaper article on their performance for President Chester Arthur
Photograph of The Fisk University Jubilee Singers, the first African American choir to perform at the White House, circa 1881.
Fisk University, Franklin Library Special CollectionsBy appointment the colored Fisk Jubilee singers, accompanied by Rev. Dr. Rankin, called yesterday to pay their respects to President Arthur, and while there sang several melodies, among them "Safe in the Arms of Jesus," which actually moved the President to tears. "I never saw a man so deeply moved," said Rev. Dr. Rankin, speaking of the incident last night, "and I shall always believe President Arthur to be a truly good man." The President frankly informed his visitors, after thanking them, that he had never before been guilty of so impulsive an exhibition of his feelings.
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The Presidency and Historic Preservation Symposium Contributors
Elaine Rice Bachmann
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The Presidency and Historic Preservation Symposium Schedule
Decatur House 8:00-8:45am Light Breakfast 8:45-9:00am Transition to the Carriage House 9:00-9:15am Welcome Stewart McLaurin, President, The...
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Jamila Moore-Pewu
As a public and digital historian, my work explores how and why groups and individuals reimagine the spaces around them...
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Slavery and the White House
Construction on the President’s House began in 1792. The decision to place the capital on land ceded by two slave st...
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President Johnson and Civil Rights
A master of the art of practical politics, Lyndon Johnson came into the White House after the tragedy of President...
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Board of Directors
The White House Historical Association, chartered in 1961, is a nonprofit historical and educational organization that plays a vital role in...
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Did Slaves Build the White House?
Construction on the President's House began in 1792 in Washington, D.C., a new capital situated in sparsely settled region far...
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About Our Authors
JAMES ARCHER ABBOTT is the Executive Director of the Lewes Historical Society in Lewes, Delaware. His publications include JANSEN, JANSEN...
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Asantewa Boakyewa
Asantewa Boakyewa currently serves as Associate Director of Collections & Exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution’s Anacostia Community Museum. has he...
