Collection The Ford White House 1974 - 1977
Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., the nation’s only unelected president and vice president, served thirteen terms in Congress before rising to...
Main Content
When the United States entered World War II in December 1941, White House security became a much more serious concern than it had been in the past. Bulletproof glass in the three south windows of the Oval Office and a "bomb-barrier," concrete poured along the West Wall of the Executive Office Building, were installed. Special outdoor lighting was designed by General Electric to dimly illuminate the grounds without casting a glare on the house itself. Despite protests from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, an air raid shelter was also built under the newly constructed East Wing. In 1942, Roosevelt ordered an East Terrace cloakroom called the "Hat Box" converted into a movie theater. Here the president enjoyed watching news reels and took special interest in the battles fought in Europe and Asia.
The “Hat Box” as it appeared in 2008.
White House Historical AssociationGerald Rudolph Ford Jr., the nation’s only unelected president and vice president, served thirteen terms in Congress before rising to...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
Over 200 years ago, James Hoban left Ireland for America to pursue his dream of becoming an architect. Selected by President...
From First Lady Dolley Madison's sister Lucy Payne Washington's wedding in 1812 to the nuptials of President Joseph Biden and First...
When First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy took on the herculean task of restoring the interior of the White House, she appointed...
In 1933, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was sworn in for the first of his four terms as president of the United States....
From hot dogs to haute cuisine, U.S. Presidents have communicated important messages through food. Stewart McLaurin, President of the...
Since the laying of the cornerstone in 1792, Freemasons have played an important role in the construction and the history of...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
Thousands of people traverse historic Lafayette Park every day to get a glimpse of the White House. The park, right...
Honoring some of the greatest moments in sports history has become a tradition at the White House. Presidents and their...
In 1821-1822, Susan Decatur requested the construction of a service wing. The first floor featured a large kitchen, dining room,...