NEW Episode of The 1600 Sessions Podcast "James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House"
Washington, D.C. —
The White House Historical Association released a new episode of the 1600 Sessions podcast today. This episode is a recording of the virtual book launch event for the Association’s newly released publication, “James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House,” which explores the life and legacy of Hoban.
Watch the virtual book launch event here.
In this episode, Stewart D. McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association interviews Dr. Christopher Moran, Chairman of Co-operation Ireland; Merlo Kelly, a Design Fellow in the School of Architecture, University College Dublin and Conservation Architect; and Andrew McCarthy, independent historian and scholar of architectural history. Moran, Kelly and McCarthy are contributors to James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House.
In this episode the guests discuss Hoban winning a competition for the design of the White House and beginning work at the site by 1792. President George Washington placed all carpentry, stonemasonry, and brickwork for the White House under his supervision. The resulting structure, accomplished in time for President John Adams to take residence in November 1800, fulfilled Washington’s vision and is today one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
Dr. Christopher Moran said, “Being given this enormous opportunity to put his mark on American history and world history, the fact that the president lives there for his term, his children are there, it’s a house as well as a seat of government, I think is a unique function that it performs. It’s all evident there in Hoban’s work - those influences are still there today.”
For more information on the NEW publication James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House, visit whitehousehistory.org.
For more information or if you are interested in covering as a member of the press, please contact press@whha.org.
The 1600 Sessions
In this podcast series, White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin interviews luminaries, historians, and eyewitnesses to history about America’s most famous residence and office—the White House. Each episode includes a prominent guest or guests to discuss varying facets of White House history, including insights from former staff and many other topical issues.
The 1600 Sessions is available on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, and Stitcher. To hear the full episode, visit The1600Sessions.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.
