Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony
Honoring James Hoban, Designer and Builder of the White House
Washington, D.C. —
The White House Historical Association placed a wreath at the gravesite of James Hoban, Irish immigrant and the designer and builder of the White House, on Tuesday, March 14 at 11:00AM. The event took place at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
See images from the wreath placement ceremony
The ceremony included remarks from:
Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association
Elizabeth Hicks, State Regent, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Don Connolly, State President, Ancient Order of Hibernians
Annas F. Kamara, Grand Master, Grand Lodge and Wayne T. Brough, Master, Federal Lodge No. 1, F.A.A.M. of the District of Columbia
Most Rev. Juan Esposito, Archdiocese of Washington
Fr. Andrew Wakefield, Pastor, St. Patrick’s Church
In 1792, James Hoban’s design for the President’s House was selected by the Commissioners for the District of Columbia with the approval of President George Washington. In 2021, the Association restored the Mount Olivet gravesite of James Hoban.
For more information, contact press@whha.org.
P.D.F. Resources
Download the PDFAbout the White House Historical Association
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.
