Video The Washingtons, The Custises, and the Making of America
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Blair House, situated at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue, has served as the president’s official guest residence since the United States government purchased it in 1942. It was acquired to accommodate the president’s guests and has its own rich history.
When was Blair House built?
Where is Blair House?
What is the purpose of Blair House?
Who resides in Blair House?
How many rooms does Blair House have today?
Did any presidents live at Blair House? Why?
What else was Blair House used for?
Why did President Roosevelt make Blair House the official guest residence?
How has Blair House changed since it became the official guest residence?
What other major historical events took place at Blair House?
What is the Blair House Restoration Fund?
Compiled by the White House Historical Association. Please credit the Association by its full name when using this as background material. Specific sources consulted available upon request.
For all media inquiries, contact press@whha.org.
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.
To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.
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