Collection James Hoban: Architect of the White House
James Hoban's life is a memorable Irish-American success story. In his boyhood he learned the craft of carpenter and wheelwright,...
Why is the White House White?
- Photographer
- Erik Kvalsvik
- Date of Work
- 1990
- Medium
- Photo
- Credit
- White House Collection/White House Historical Association
Why is the White House White?
This photograph of burn marks on the White House stonework was taken in 1990, during the George H.W. Bush administration. In preparation for the White House cornerstone's bicentennial in 1992, the White House underwent a renovation that included the removal of approximately 30 layers of paint. This process revealed scarring beneath the paint, sustained when the British burned the White House during the War of 1812.
You Might Also Like
-
-
Collection An Artist Visits the White House Past
From its construction in 1792, until the 1902 renovation that shaped the modern identity and functions of the interior of the White...
-
Collection Italy in the White House
Long before the emergence of the United States and Italy as nations, close connections between our two peoples influenced political...
-
Collection Tudor Place
-
Collection The President's Neighborhood
Since the White House was first occupied by President John Adams in 1800, influential people and organizations—or those who hoped to...
-
Collection President Truman's Renovation
During the administration of President Harry S. Truman, the White House underwent a renovation and expansion so extensive, it changed...
-
White House Music During the 1990s
President and Mrs. George Bush recognized music as a supreme American gesture, a vital symbol of American life as it...
-
Millard Fillmore's Musical Family
President Millard Fillmore and his family were particularly musical. Mrs. Fillmore, the former Abigail Powers, made certain the White House...
-
Gettysburg and Golf Courses
On July 12, 1957, Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first president in office to employ a helicopter in his transportation service. This...
-
Comfort in My Retirement
They have been four years of incessant labour and anxiety and of great responsibility. I am heartily rejoiced that my...
-
Presidents' Passion for Music
Abraham Lincoln could neither sing nor read music, but he loved music with a passion. He attended the opera at...
-
Social Dancing at the White House
Social dancing was especially enjoyed during the terms of Benjamin Harrison and William McKinley and its popularity within the White...
