Podcast White House Builder James Hoban’s Irish Roots
Over 200 years ago, James Hoban left Ireland for America to pursue his dream of becoming an architect. Selected by President...
Main Content
More than 20,000 well-wishers came to the White House to meet President Andrew Jackson after the 1829 inaugural ceremony.
White House CollectionPresident Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1965 Inaugural Parade lasted over two hours and included 15,000 participants.
Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum/NARAPresident Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan travel the Inaugural Parade route in 1981.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum/NARAPresident George H.W. Bush revived the custom of hosting a public reception after the 1989 inauguration.
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum/NARAOn January 21, 1993, the Clintons hosted receptions for the general public and another for residents of Arkansas the day after the inauguration.
The White HouseThomas Jefferson’s 1801 inaugural, the first held in the city of Washington, bore little resemblance to modern extravaganzas. Avoiding monarchical touches, Jefferson, after walking to the Capitol for his swearing-in, read his address, and returned to his boarding house. As time passed, simple civilian and militia escorts eventually evolved into fancy inaugural parades.
Grover Cleveland’s 1885 inaugural parade lasted three hours and showcased 25,000 marchers. Eighty years later, Lyndon Johnson’s parade included 52 select bands and was viewed by one million people.
During Andrew Jackson's 1829 public reception, 20,000 people created such a crush at the White House that Jackson had to escape through a window. Nevertheless, White House receptions continued until lengthy afternoon parades created scheduling problems. Reviving the idea in 1989, President George H.W. Bush invited the public to a "White House American Welcome" on the day after the inaugural.
The scope of inaugural balls has also broadened, reflecting a cross-section of the American population. By 1981, the Reagans attended eight balls, all broadcast via television to other regional inaugural parties. Today this national event invites Americans to celebrate a new president, the republic’s peaceful transfer of power, and the continuum of democracy.
Over 200 years ago, James Hoban left Ireland for America to pursue his dream of becoming an architect. Selected by President...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
Since 1965, the White House Historical Association has been proud to fund the official portraits of our presidents and first ladies,...
In 1821-1822, Susan Decatur requested the construction of a service wing. The first floor featured a large kitchen, dining room,...
From First Lady Dolley Madison's sister Lucy Payne Washington's wedding in 1812 to the nuptials of President Joseph Biden and First...
Native Americans hold a significant place in White House history. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples, including the Nacotchtank and...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
Thousands of people traverse historic Lafayette Park every day to get a glimpse of the White House. The park, right...
Wine has a long and important history in the White House, playing a unique role in entertaining, public ceremonies, and...
While the presidency is often in the eye of the public, those who ensure operations at the White House run...
This year marks the centennial of the 19th Amendment, the culmination of the suffragists' fight to secure the right to...
The collection of fine art at the White House has evolved and grown over time. The collection began with mostly...