Podcast Freemasons and the White House
Since the laying of the cornerstone in 1792, Freemasons have played an important role in the construction and the history of...
Main Content
Before the White House was completed in 1800, President George Washington and his wife Martha lived first in New York City, then Philadelphia. Washington enjoyed the theater and liked to dance, especially the minuet, which he danced with great pleasure at his inaugural ball. Music in the president’s home was an intimate amusement and young Nelly Custis, the president’s musical stepgrandaughter, entertained guests by playing the instruments the president purchased for her. These included a fine five-octave, two manual harpsichord from London and a Dodds pianoforte, one of the first pianos built in America. Musical instruments were among the earliest items purchased for The President’s House and illustrate the importance music played in early American home life.
President George Washington dancing the minuet at his inaugural ball, as shown on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, May 11, 1889.
Since the laying of the cornerstone in 1792, Freemasons have played an important role in the construction and the history of...
James Hoban came from humble beginnings as a young carpenter and architect in Ireland, and went on to collaborate with...
Biographies & Portraits
The White House Grounds began as approximately 85 acres of land chosen by George Washington and was refined and cultivated by...
James Hoban's life is a memorable Irish-American success story. In his boyhood he learned the craft of carpenter and wheelwright,...
Biographies & Portraits
Whether by hoof, air, waterway, road, or rail, the President’s access to reliable transportation is essential during their time in...
George Washington never lived in the White House, but played a major role in its design, as well as the...
Two grand houses were under construction in the young Federal City in 1816: one the President’s House, reconstructed after it wa...
George Washington might not have become the Founding Father we know today if not for the influence of his mother....
In April 1789, George Washington took the oath of office in New York City. Constitutional guidelines for inaugurations are sparse, offering...
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...