The White House Historical Association Launches New Podcast: The 1600 Sessions
Inaugural episode explores “Moving Day” at the White HouseWashington, D.C. —
The White House Historical Association announced today a new educational offering, The 1600 Sessions podcast series, telling the stories and traditions of the Executive mansion where the president works and the first family lives. Hosted by White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin, the series will feature experts, luminaries and eyewitnesses to history as it explores the nation’s most iconic landmark.
The inaugural episode “Moving Day,” released as the White House prepares for inauguration, focuses on presidential transitions from the perspective of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Anita McBride, veteran of four presidential transitions, joins to discuss the behind-closed-doors details of the changes that occur inside the White House as it is prepared for a new president and first family.
“This podcast is a wonderful opportunity to explore the many facets of White House history,” said Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association and host of 1600 Sessions. ”This first episode will make listeners feel like they are part of this historic day by hearing about some of the private traditions that happen between the President and his staff on his final day in the White House, including being gifted the flags that were flown above the White House on his first and last day in office.”
McBride recounts the extraordinary legacy that the WHHA’s founder, Jacqueline Kennedy left behind as First Lady: “…. Think about it, how extraordinary, such a young woman that walks into the White House, recognizes she is in the most important symbol of our American democracy and it just didn’t feel that it had that historical significance. And she went about in a very short period of time when she became First Lady doing something about it.”
Each future episode will include a prominent guest to discuss varying facets of White House history, including insights from former staff and many other topical issues. The 1600 Sessions will be available on iTunes, GooglePlay, and SoundCloud. To hear the full episode, visit The1600Sessions.org and learn more about White House history at whitehousehistory.org.
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Download the ReleaseAbout 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.
