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Blair House stands at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue, across the street from the White House. Harry Truman was in residence here during his second term when the assassination attempt took place. Today it is an official state guest house for the president. Note the guard booth, which no longer exists.
Featuring Rev. Robert Fisher, Rector at St. John’s Church
In 1816, Commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr. and his wife Susan moved to the nascent capital city of Washington, D.C. With the prize money he received from his naval feats, Decatur purchased the entire city block on the northwest corner of today’s Lafayette Square. The Decaturs commissioned Benjamin Henry Latrobe, one of America’s first professional architects, to design and buil
Featuring Iain Dale, award-winning British author and radio and podcast host
On July 11, 1798, Congress passed legislation that created the United States Marine Corps and the Marine Band, America's oldest professional musical organization. The United States Marine Band has been nicknamed "The President's Own" because of its historic connection to the president of the United States. At its origin, the fledgling band consisted of a Drum Major, a Fife Major and 32 drums
Featuring Alex Prud’homme, bestselling author and great-nephew of cooking legend Julia Child
In 1821-1822, Susan Decatur requested the construction of a service wing. The first floor featured a large kitchen, dining room, and laundry; while the second floor contained four rooms designated as living quarters. By 1827, the service wing was being used as an urban slave quarters. Henry Clay brought enslaved individuals to Decatur House, starting a trend that was solidified by
