NEW BOOK: The White House Easter Egg Roll
White House Historical Association Book Tells Story of Easter Egg Roll Through History of White House GroundsWashington, D.C. —
The White House Historical Association today announced the release of a new publication, The White House Easter Egg Roll: A History for All Ages. This colorfully illustrated history of the White House Easter Egg Roll tells the story of the annual event through the evolution of the historic grounds and gardens in the president's backyard. Author Jonathan Pliska’s expertise as a White House landscape historian informs this exploration of how the grounds have shaped one of the oldest and most popular annual events in White House history. More than seventy newly commissioned illustrations by artist John Hutton feature each first family that has hosted a public egg roll in the president’s back yard.
The Easter Egg Roll is an Easter Monday tradition that dates back to 1878. Each year, the President and First Lady welcome children and their families to the White House grounds, where guests roll brightly dyed hard-boiled eggs down the sloped South Lawn. Over time, new traditions have been added, including games, music, dancing, and story-time. With newly commissioned colorful illustrations made to incorporate scenes of the evolution of the grounds, this new book reveals how each administration—from President Hayes to President Trump—has staged the annual event.
The White House Easter Egg Roll: A History for All Ages will be released March 1. To pre-order the book, please visit the White House History shop online here. To download an image of the cover of the book, click here. For all media inquiries, author interviews, image requests, or for a copy of the book, please contact press@whha.org.
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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.
