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,...
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...
Honoring some of the greatest moments in sports history has become a tradition at the White House. Presidents and their...
Since the laying of the cornerstone in 1792, Freemasons have played an important role in the construction and the history of...
In this first episode of 2021, White House Historical Association President Stewart D. McLaurin introduces the Association’s popular virtual program Hi...
Throughout our history, presidents have faced crises that have gripped both the nation and the world. In this episode, Association...
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....
Wine has a long and important history in the White House, playing a unique role in entertaining, public ceremonies, and...
The collection of fine art at the White House has evolved and grown over time. The collection began with mostly...