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...
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America’s Cold War military strength was showcased during Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1957 Inaugural Parade.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Library, Washington, D.C.The Lincoln Inaugural Parade of 1861 included only one float, representing the U.S. Constitution and the Union.
Library of CongressFor James A. Garfield's 1881 inauguration, large wooden arches were erected, adorned with coats of arms and mottoes of the states.
Library of CongressThe Nixon Inaugural Parade of 1969 had a reduced military presence because of the unpopularity of the ongoing war in Vietnam.
National Archives and Records AdministrationInaugural ceremonies are huge public events, and both presidents and inaugural planners have recognized their potential for symbolic gestures.
James Madison was inaugurated at a time when Americans were developing their own national identity. Demonstrating this emphasis, every item of President Madison’s inaugural outfit was made in the United States, including his silk stockings, manufactured in Massachusetts.
With the nation on the brink of civil war, the only float in Abraham Lincoln’s 1861 parade was one symbolizing the Constitution and the Union in red, white, and blue with a small girl representing each of the thirty-four states, including those that had already seceded. In 1961, a float carrying a replica of John F. Kennedy’s PT (Patrol Torpedo) boat along with its surviving served as a dramatic reminder to the American people that this president was a war hero.
With anti-Vietnam War sentiment running high, parade planners for Richard Nixon’s 1969 inauguration limited the number of military units in the parade to avoid the appearance of being too hawkish.
Forging a link between himself and the democratic ideals of Thomas Jefferson’s young republic, William J. Clinton arrived in Washington for his 1993 inauguration via a chartered bus which began its journey at Jefferson’s Virginia home, Monticello.
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...
Thousands of people traverse historic Lafayette Park every day to get a glimpse of the White House. The park, right...
Since 1965, the White House Historical Association has been proud to fund the official portraits of our presidents and first ladies,...
Since the laying of the cornerstone in 1792, Freemasons have played an important role in the construction and the history of...
In 1821-1822, Susan Decatur requested the construction of a service wing. The first floor featured a large kitchen, dining room,...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
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....
Honoring some of the greatest moments in sports history has become a tradition at the White House. Presidents and their...
Wine has a long and important history in the White House, playing a unique role in entertaining, public ceremonies, and...
Since the James Madison presidency, St. John’s Church has been an important part of the life of Lafayette Square an...