Collection Art in the White House
The collection of fine art at the White House has evolved and grown over time. The collection began with mostly...
Main Content
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.
The collection of fine art at the White House has evolved and grown over time. The collection began with mostly...
This year marks the centennial of the 19th Amendment, the culmination of the suffragists' fight to secure the right to...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
Since the James Madison presidency, St. John’s Church has been an important part of the life of Lafayette Square an...
In this first episode of 2021, White House Historical Association President Stewart D. McLaurin introduces the Association’s popular virtual program Hi...
Fearless leaders have walked the halls of White House for centuries. In this episode, White House Historical Association President Stewart...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
George Washington never lived in the White House, but played a major role in its design, as well as the...
Since the White House was first occupied by President John Adams in 1800, influential people and organizations—or those who hoped to...
In April 1789, George Washington took the oath of office in New York City. Constitutional guidelines for inaugurations are sparse, offering...
Camp David has provided presidents and their families with a recreational retreat from the White House, as well as a...
Biographies & Portraits