Collection Decorative Arts in the White House
Many people approach the decor of their homes as a reflection of oneself. But what happens when a home's interior...
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1902: A White House "restoration" was undertaken. Under Theodore Roosevelt, the 19th-century conservatories were razed, and a new "temporary" executive office building, later called the West Wing, was erected. President Theodore Roosevelt worked in his new rectangular office for the first time on November 5. The first cabinet meeting was held in the new wing on November 6.
1909: The West Wing was doubled in size and included the first presidential Oval Office centered on the south facade. William Howard Taft became the first president to work in the Oval Office.
1912: On February 14, President Taft signed legislation in an Oval Office ceremony authorizing statehood for Arizona and New Mexico. He became the first chief executive to preside over 48 states.
1917: President Wilson signed the declaration of war against the Central Powers on April 7. The Executive Office Building immediately became a war center open around the clock as 60 to 75 clerks and other personnel manned the telegraphs, telephones, and the equivalent of a map room.
1923: Warren Harding became the first president to die in office since the construction of the executive offices. His desk in the Oval Office was draped with black crepe in memoriam.
Many people approach the decor of their homes as a reflection of oneself. But what happens when a home's interior...
This year marks the centennial of the 19th Amendment, the culmination of the suffragists' fight to secure the right to...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
From diplomatic dinners to holiday gatherings, the White House has always played a central role in the nation’s official en...
While the presidency is often in the eye of the public, those who ensure operations at the White House run...
Since the James Madison presidency, St. John’s Church has been an important part of the life of Lafayette Square an...
The collection of fine art at the White House has evolved and grown over time. The collection began with mostly...
Since 1878, American presidents and their families have celebrated Easter Monday by hosting an "egg roll" party. Held on the South...
Long before the emergence of the United States and Italy as nations, close connections between our two peoples influenced political...
Camp David has provided presidents and their families with a recreational retreat from the White House, as well as a...
From its construction in 1792, until the 1902 renovation that shaped the modern identity and functions of the interior of the White...
Two grand houses were under construction in the young Federal City in 1816: one the President’s House, reconstructed after it wa...