White House History
@whitehousehistory.bsky.social
Protecting and preserving White House history since 1961.
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Introducing The Official Commemorative Ornament of America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration. Created with @america250.bsky.social it joins our Official White House Ornament collection and serves as the Official 2026 White House Christmas Ornament.
Explore: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/a250-2026
Explore: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/a250-2026
25 years later, firsthand memories offer a rare perspective on #September11 in a new episode of the White House #1600Sessions.
Assoc. President Stewart McLaurin speaks with 3 eyewitnesses who experienced that fateful day close to the president and White House.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/46LvRMy
Assoc. President Stewart McLaurin speaks with 3 eyewitnesses who experienced that fateful day close to the president and White House.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/46LvRMy
September 9, 2026 at 3:01 PM
25 years later, firsthand memories offer a rare perspective on #September11 in a new episode of the White House #1600Sessions.
Assoc. President Stewart McLaurin speaks with 3 eyewitnesses who experienced that fateful day close to the president and White House.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/46LvRMy
Assoc. President Stewart McLaurin speaks with 3 eyewitnesses who experienced that fateful day close to the president and White House.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/46LvRMy
This latest episode of the White House #1600Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin is at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway to talk about the legacy of AJ Foyt Racing, the upcoming Washington, DC Grand Prix and celebrating America's 250th Anniversary.
Watch: https://bit.ly/3TQUyUU
Watch: https://bit.ly/3TQUyUU
August 13, 2026 at 3:01 PM
This latest episode of the White House #1600Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin is at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway to talk about the legacy of AJ Foyt Racing, the upcoming Washington, DC Grand Prix and celebrating America's 250th Anniversary.
Watch: https://bit.ly/3TQUyUU
Watch: https://bit.ly/3TQUyUU
What does it take to make a presidential event look effortless?
In this week's #1600Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin explores the hidden world of presidential advance teams and the untold stories behind historic White House moments.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/4wNGUQq
In this week's #1600Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin explores the hidden world of presidential advance teams and the untold stories behind historic White House moments.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/4wNGUQq
July 23, 2026 at 2:31 PM
What does it take to make a presidential event look effortless?
In this week's #1600Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin explores the hidden world of presidential advance teams and the untold stories behind historic White House moments.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/4wNGUQq
In this week's #1600Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin explores the hidden world of presidential advance teams and the untold stories behind historic White House moments.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/4wNGUQq
Today, as America marks its 250th anniversary, Association President Stewart McLaurin shares a special White House 1600 Sessions Podcast SHORT reflecting on the enduring story of the White House and the ideals that continue to shape our nation.
Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiY4vFtHiqg
Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiY4vFtHiqg
July 4, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Today, as America marks its 250th anniversary, Association President Stewart McLaurin shares a special White House 1600 Sessions Podcast SHORT reflecting on the enduring story of the White House and the ideals that continue to shape our nation.
Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiY4vFtHiqg
Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiY4vFtHiqg
Now available! New edition published in celebration of America's 250th birthday, The White House: The History of An American Idea by William Seale explores the remarkable story of the Executive Mansion and the people who have shaped it for more than two centuries.
Shop: shop.whitehousehistory.org
Shop: shop.whitehousehistory.org
June 29, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Now available! New edition published in celebration of America's 250th birthday, The White House: The History of An American Idea by William Seale explores the remarkable story of the Executive Mansion and the people who have shaped it for more than two centuries.
Shop: shop.whitehousehistory.org
Shop: shop.whitehousehistory.org
Before it stood in the Oval Office, the Resolute Desk began as part of a British Arctic exploration vessel.
Watch this new episode of The White House 1600 Sessions, where Association President Stewart McLaurin travels to England to explore the history of this iconic piece: https://bit.ly/3SbJ6SZ
Watch this new episode of The White House 1600 Sessions, where Association President Stewart McLaurin travels to England to explore the history of this iconic piece: https://bit.ly/3SbJ6SZ
June 22, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Before it stood in the Oval Office, the Resolute Desk began as part of a British Arctic exploration vessel.
Watch this new episode of The White House 1600 Sessions, where Association President Stewart McLaurin travels to England to explore the history of this iconic piece: https://bit.ly/3SbJ6SZ
Watch this new episode of The White House 1600 Sessions, where Association President Stewart McLaurin travels to England to explore the history of this iconic piece: https://bit.ly/3SbJ6SZ
This Monday, Association Stewart McLaurin travels to England to trace the story of HMS Resolute and uncover how its timbers became one of the most recognizable pieces of furniture in the world.
New episode of The White House 1600 Sessions premieres Monday: whitehousehistory.org/podcast
New episode of The White House 1600 Sessions premieres Monday: whitehousehistory.org/podcast
June 18, 2026 at 8:01 PM
This Monday, Association Stewart McLaurin travels to England to trace the story of HMS Resolute and uncover how its timbers became one of the most recognizable pieces of furniture in the world.
New episode of The White House 1600 Sessions premieres Monday: whitehousehistory.org/podcast
New episode of The White House 1600 Sessions premieres Monday: whitehousehistory.org/podcast
On the latest #1600Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin reflects on our “Faith, Freedom, and Democracy” symposium, hosted in partnership with Westminster Abbey Institute.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/4etcVa1
Watch now: https://bit.ly/4etcVa1
June 8, 2026 at 3:31 PM
On the latest #1600Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin reflects on our “Faith, Freedom, and Democracy” symposium, hosted in partnership with Westminster Abbey Institute.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/4etcVa1
Watch now: https://bit.ly/4etcVa1
Our latest issue of White House History Quarterly: “Faith and White House History,” visits some of the historic churches where presidents worshipped, preached, taught, celebrated, and mourned as active members or occasional visitors.
Get your copy today: https://bit.ly/4w38F8a
Get your copy today: https://bit.ly/4w38F8a
May 2, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Our latest issue of White House History Quarterly: “Faith and White House History,” visits some of the historic churches where presidents worshipped, preached, taught, celebrated, and mourned as active members or occasional visitors.
Get your copy today: https://bit.ly/4w38F8a
Get your copy today: https://bit.ly/4w38F8a
As the U.S. nears its 250th anniversary, the presidency reminds us that decisions made in office can impact generations. James K. Polk expanded the country — but his success brought consequences.
Our own Dr. Matthew Costello reflects in a new In Pursuit essay: https://bit.ly/4cKN8Is
📷: WHHA/WHC
Our own Dr. Matthew Costello reflects in a new In Pursuit essay: https://bit.ly/4cKN8Is
📷: WHHA/WHC
April 28, 2026 at 2:02 PM
As the U.S. nears its 250th anniversary, the presidency reminds us that decisions made in office can impact generations. James K. Polk expanded the country — but his success brought consequences.
Our own Dr. Matthew Costello reflects in a new In Pursuit essay: https://bit.ly/4cKN8Is
📷: WHHA/WHC
Our own Dr. Matthew Costello reflects in a new In Pursuit essay: https://bit.ly/4cKN8Is
📷: WHHA/WHC
As we continue our countdown to America’s 250th, a new #1600Sessions is here. Association President Stewart McLaurin travels to Windsor Castle to speak with Tim Knox of the Royal Collection Trust about American-born artists in the Royal Collection.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/3QeRYX1
Watch now: https://bit.ly/3QeRYX1
April 23, 2026 at 3:01 PM
As we continue our countdown to America’s 250th, a new #1600Sessions is here. Association President Stewart McLaurin travels to Windsor Castle to speak with Tim Knox of the Royal Collection Trust about American-born artists in the Royal Collection.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/3QeRYX1
Watch now: https://bit.ly/3QeRYX1
It's 100 days until America’s 250th birthday!
In our latest #1600Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin reflects on our nation's Semiquincentennial and the work of the White House Historical Association.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/4rYGsw6
In our latest #1600Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin reflects on our nation's Semiquincentennial and the work of the White House Historical Association.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/4rYGsw6
March 26, 2026 at 4:03 PM
It's 100 days until America’s 250th birthday!
In our latest #1600Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin reflects on our nation's Semiquincentennial and the work of the White House Historical Association.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/4rYGsw6
In our latest #1600Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin reflects on our nation's Semiquincentennial and the work of the White House Historical Association.
Watch now: https://bit.ly/4rYGsw6
As the U.S. nears the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Association President Stewart McLaurin reflects on James Monroe’s leadership in a new essay for "In Pursuit." https://bit.ly/4rznITG
📷 WHHA / White House Collection
📷 WHHA / White House Collection
March 18, 2026 at 2:01 PM
As the U.S. nears the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Association President Stewart McLaurin reflects on James Monroe’s leadership in a new essay for "In Pursuit." https://bit.ly/4rznITG
📷 WHHA / White House Collection
📷 WHHA / White House Collection
The White House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. In this new printing of "James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House" we explore Hoban’s life story and the inspirations for his design of the White House. https://bit.ly/47EB4qr
March 17, 2026 at 3:20 PM
The White House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. In this new printing of "James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House" we explore Hoban’s life story and the inspirations for his design of the White House. https://bit.ly/47EB4qr
This Women’s History Month, we’re honoring Lorraine Waxman Pearce, the first White House Curator, with the release of our newest digital collection.
Now available in the White House History Digital Archives: https://bit.ly/4cnggHf
Now available in the White House History Digital Archives: https://bit.ly/4cnggHf
March 5, 2026 at 4:46 PM
This Women’s History Month, we’re honoring Lorraine Waxman Pearce, the first White House Curator, with the release of our newest digital collection.
Now available in the White House History Digital Archives: https://bit.ly/4cnggHf
Now available in the White House History Digital Archives: https://bit.ly/4cnggHf
In our latest 1600 Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin goes inside the U.S. Secret Service to explore the history of presidential vehicles and what it takes to drive “The Beast.”
Watch now: https://ow.ly/u36B50YmWyz
Watch now: https://ow.ly/u36B50YmWyz
February 27, 2026 at 3:02 PM
In our latest 1600 Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin goes inside the U.S. Secret Service to explore the history of presidential vehicles and what it takes to drive “The Beast.”
Watch now: https://ow.ly/u36B50YmWyz
Watch now: https://ow.ly/u36B50YmWyz
In the next episode of The White House 1600 Sessions, Stewart McLaurin visits a Secret Service training center to explore the history and responsibility behind driving “The Beast,” the presidential limousine.
Premieres Friday: whitehousehistory.org/podcast
Premieres Friday: whitehousehistory.org/podcast
February 25, 2026 at 3:10 PM
In the next episode of The White House 1600 Sessions, Stewart McLaurin visits a Secret Service training center to explore the history and responsibility behind driving “The Beast,” the presidential limousine.
Premieres Friday: whitehousehistory.org/podcast
Premieres Friday: whitehousehistory.org/podcast
As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, our latest issue of White House History Quarterly explores how the nation marked its most important anniversaries through White House history.
From early Independence Day celebrations to the Bicentennial & beyond.
Get yours today: https://bit.ly/4kU62jJ
From early Independence Day celebrations to the Bicentennial & beyond.
Get yours today: https://bit.ly/4kU62jJ
February 24, 2026 at 3:10 PM
As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, our latest issue of White House History Quarterly explores how the nation marked its most important anniversaries through White House history.
From early Independence Day celebrations to the Bicentennial & beyond.
Get yours today: https://bit.ly/4kU62jJ
From early Independence Day celebrations to the Bicentennial & beyond.
Get yours today: https://bit.ly/4kU62jJ
History at the White House isn’t only made by presidents. For more than 80 years combined, two members of the Ficklin family served behind the scenes.
Read their story featured in the latest USA TODAY Opinion by Association President Stewart McLaurin: https://bit.ly/4cDucge
Read their story featured in the latest USA TODAY Opinion by Association President Stewart McLaurin: https://bit.ly/4cDucge
February 21, 2026 at 3:30 PM
History at the White House isn’t only made by presidents. For more than 80 years combined, two members of the Ficklin family served behind the scenes.
Read their story featured in the latest USA TODAY Opinion by Association President Stewart McLaurin: https://bit.ly/4cDucge
Read their story featured in the latest USA TODAY Opinion by Association President Stewart McLaurin: https://bit.ly/4cDucge
In 2022, the Association began a Presidents’ Day tradition rooted in remembrance and shared history. Today, in partnership with U.S. embassies and cultural organizations, wreaths are laid at presidential monuments around the world. Learn More: https://bit.ly/4tJ0DQC
📸: US Consulate General Tijuana
📸: US Consulate General Tijuana
February 19, 2026 at 3:15 PM
In 2022, the Association began a Presidents’ Day tradition rooted in remembrance and shared history. Today, in partnership with U.S. embassies and cultural organizations, wreaths are laid at presidential monuments around the world. Learn More: https://bit.ly/4tJ0DQC
📸: US Consulate General Tijuana
📸: US Consulate General Tijuana
Ramadan Mubarak! The holy month of Ramadan has begun, and did you know that President Thomas Jefferson hosted an Iftar dinner at the White House in 1805?
Learn more about this example of successful culinary diplomacy at the White House on our website: https://bit.ly/4ayU4ra
Learn more about this example of successful culinary diplomacy at the White House on our website: https://bit.ly/4ayU4ra
Thomas Jefferson’s Ramadan Dinner: White House Culinary Diplomacy in Action
Seventeenth-century French diplomat François de Callières once said: “A good cook is often an excellent conciliator."1 Every president has embraced this basic principle and hosted dinners as a mean...
www.whitehousehistory.org
February 18, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Ramadan Mubarak! The holy month of Ramadan has begun, and did you know that President Thomas Jefferson hosted an Iftar dinner at the White House in 1805?
Learn more about this example of successful culinary diplomacy at the White House on our website: https://bit.ly/4ayU4ra
Learn more about this example of successful culinary diplomacy at the White House on our website: https://bit.ly/4ayU4ra
Now available: “Rocco Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday at the White House!”
Rocco is back! This time he explores 250 years of American history through the halls and collections of the White House.
Get your copy: https://bit.ly/3MASb55
Rocco is back! This time he explores 250 years of American history through the halls and collections of the White House.
Get your copy: https://bit.ly/3MASb55
February 17, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Now available: “Rocco Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday at the White House!”
Rocco is back! This time he explores 250 years of American history through the halls and collections of the White House.
Get your copy: https://bit.ly/3MASb55
Rocco is back! This time he explores 250 years of American history through the halls and collections of the White House.
Get your copy: https://bit.ly/3MASb55
This Presidents’ Day, we invite students and educators to play Brief the Chief, our interactive history game developed with @icivics.bsky.social. Step into the role of a presidential advisor and explore the challenges and choices that shaped history.
https://ed.icivics.org/games/brief-chief
https://ed.icivics.org/games/brief-chief
February 16, 2026 at 3:02 PM
This Presidents’ Day, we invite students and educators to play Brief the Chief, our interactive history game developed with @icivics.bsky.social. Step into the role of a presidential advisor and explore the challenges and choices that shaped history.
https://ed.icivics.org/games/brief-chief
https://ed.icivics.org/games/brief-chief
Lesson 3 of our "How to Draw Presidents and First Ladies" series with John Hutton is here. In honor of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, learn how to draw the 16th president in this step-by-step lesson.
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz-PMCEpXok
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz-PMCEpXok
February 12, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Lesson 3 of our "How to Draw Presidents and First Ladies" series with John Hutton is here. In honor of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, learn how to draw the 16th president in this step-by-step lesson.
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz-PMCEpXok
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz-PMCEpXok
Author John Wrory Ficklin shares from his new book some of his family’s nearly century-long story of service at the White House in a recent piece in TIME: https://time.com/7377401/my-family-white-house-century/
My Family Worked in the White House for Nearly a Century
In his new book, John Wrory Ficklin writes about the three generations of his family who worked in the White House.
time.com
February 12, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Author John Wrory Ficklin shares from his new book some of his family’s nearly century-long story of service at the White House in a recent piece in TIME: https://time.com/7377401/my-family-white-house-century/