Collection The 2021 White House Christmas Ornament
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
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Electric lighting was installed in the White House in 1891. Few people at the time had enough faith in electric lighting to use it exclusively-its use was barely a decade old. The electrical work at the White House was planned as part of a well-funded project for wiring the State, War & Navy building next door. The Edison company installed a generator for both buildings that was put in the State, War & Navy's basement, with the wires strung across the lawn and introduced into the White House under the conservatory. The relatively new method of illumination was initially intended to be only a supplement to gaslight. Wires were buried in the plaster, with round switches installed in each room for turning the current on and off. President Benjamin Harrison and First Lady Caroline Harrison refused to operate the switches because they feared being shocked and left the operation of the electric lights to the domestic staff.
A light fixture converted from gas to electricity, c. 1899.
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
In 1821-1822, Susan Decatur requested the construction of a service wing. The first floor featured a large kitchen, dining room,...
From First Lady Dolley Madison's sister Lucy Payne Washington's wedding in 1812 to the nuptials of President Joseph Biden and First...
Over 200 years ago, James Hoban left Ireland for America to pursue his dream of becoming an architect. Selected by President...
Native Americans hold a significant place in White House history. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples, including the Nacotchtank and...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
Since 1965, the White House Historical Association has been proud to fund the official portraits of our presidents and first ladies,...
Thousands of people traverse historic Lafayette Park every day to get a glimpse of the White House. The park, right...
Since the laying of the cornerstone in 1792, Freemasons have played an important role in the construction and the history of...
Since the James Madison presidency, St. John’s Church has been an important part of the life of Lafayette Square an...
Wine has a long and important history in the White House, playing a unique role in entertaining, public ceremonies, and...
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....