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,...
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William Henry Harrison’s ceremony in 1841 was witnessed by the largest crowd to date with over 50,000 spectators.
Library of CongressIn 1853, Franklin Pierce became the only president to "affirm" rather than "swear" his oath of office, as permitted in the Constitution.
Library of CongressRutherford B. Hayes took the oath of office in the Red Room during a White House dinner hosted by outgoing President Ulysses S. Grant, March 3, 1877.
Rutherford B. Hayes LibraryWilliam J. Clinton, standing between Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, taking the oath of office on January 20, 1993.
Library of CongressGeorge W. Bush takes the oath of office, January 20, 2005.
National Archives and Records AdministrationChief Justice John Roberts administers the oath of office to President Barack Obama during the inaugural swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on January 21, 2013. Next to President Obama is First Lady Michelle Obama, holding a Bible that belonged to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Abraham Lincoln Bible with daughters Malia and Sasha.
Official White House Photo by Sonya N. HebertArticle II, Section 1 of the Constitution specifies the oath the president takes in assuming the responsibilities of this highest executive office: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."
George Washington took the oath with his hand on a Bible, and almost all other presidents have followed suit. Most use a special family Bible, leaving it open to a passage that has particular meaning for them. Traditionally, the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court administers the oath, but in cases when vice presidents have assumed the presidency because of a death, others do the honors. When Warren G. Harding’s death elevated Calvin Coolidge to the presidency, his father, a justice of the peace, administered the oath.
A president whose term begins on Sunday takes the oath privately on that day, and repeats it in a public ceremony the next day. The solemnity of the swearing-in ceremony reflects the importance the Founders attached to the executive office.
In 1821-1822, Susan Decatur requested the construction of a service wing. The first floor featured a large kitchen, dining room,...
Since 1965, the White House Historical Association has been proud to fund the official portraits of our presidents and first ladies,...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
From hot dogs to haute cuisine, U.S. Presidents have communicated important messages through food. Stewart McLaurin, President of the...
Over 200 years ago, James Hoban left Ireland for America to pursue his dream of becoming an architect. Selected by President...
From First Lady Dolley Madison's sister Lucy Payne Washington's wedding in 1812 to the nuptials of President Joseph Biden and First...
The American experiment has long held the curiosity of people around the world, especially for Iain Dale, an award-winning British...
Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., the nation’s only unelected president and vice president, served thirteen terms in Congress before rising to...
In 1933, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was sworn in for the first of his four terms as president of the United States....
Honoring some of the greatest moments in sports history has become a tradition at the White House. Presidents and their...
Since the James Madison presidency, St. John’s Church has been an important part of the life of Lafayette Square an...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....