Featuring Stewart McLaurin

Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament. These unique collectibles — honoring individual presidents or specific White House anniversaries — have become part of the holiday tradition for millions of American families. In this collection, explore the history behind our 2023 design and learn more about President Gerald R. Ford. Buy

For more than one hundred years, White House Social Secretaries have demonstrated a profound knowledge of protocol and society in Washington, D.C. The position had its beginnings in the Theodore Roosevelt administration when First Lady Edith Roosevelt hired an executive clerk. From the intricacies of ceremony planning to routine office work, the social secretary must possess unfailing tact in

For more than two centuries, the White House has been the home of American presidents. A powerful symbol of the nation, it is a uniquely private and public space. Since John and Abigail Adams first moved into the “President’s House” in November 1800, hundreds of individuals have worked behind the scenes to help the White House fulfill its roles as a seat

The White House Military Social Aides have played an important role in many different White House events and functions. They have assisted the president with diplomatic protocol at state events, at annual meetings with the leaders of Congress and the federal judiciary, and at other significant social events. Military Social Aides play the role of assistant hosts at the White

Whether by hoof, air, waterway, road, or rail, the President’s access to reliable transportation is essential during their time in the Executive Mansion. Modes of transportation have varied over the course of time as technology and the individual presidents’ needs have changed. While George Washington may have thought a well-bred horse was the pinnacle of mobility, subsequent presidents would find

The computer, the car, space travel. These technologies, while seemingly old hat now, are examples of monumental technological advancement. Even less glamorous technologies such as the modern bathroom, electrical lighting, and electric vacuum cleaners have fundamentally shaped modern life. For many of these technologies, the White House has acted as a testing ground, ultimately demonstrating to the American people their

While the presidency is often in the eye of the public, those who ensure operations at the White House run smoothly on a day-to-day basis often carry out their work behind the scenes. Furthermore, some of the president's most intimate relationships play out behind the walls of the Executive Mansion. In this collection, pull back the curtain on some of

Stewart D. McLaurin serves as president of The White House Historical Association, a private nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961 to share and preserve the rich history of the White House. The Association works to fulfill Mrs. Kennedy's vision through its mission of enhancing the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the Executive Mansion.Now in his

The 2024 National History Day (NHD) theme is Turning Points in History. The White House Historical Association offers a variety of resources to assist students working on NHD projects.

Born in Bottineau, North Dakota, Betty Monkman received her BA in history from the University of North Dakota, and began her career as a school teacher in Chicago. Inspired by her interest in history and love of adventure, she moved to Washington, D.C., and worked for the D.C. Public Library briefly before mailing a letter to the White

“Anthony Michael Matise.” Times Herald-Record online. June 2, 2011. https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:RX3sxoIxZ4cJ:https://www.recordonline.com/article/20110603/NEWS0301/306039992%3Ftemplate%3Dampart+&cd=33&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us. Davis, Nancy and Amelia Grabowski. “Sewing for Joy: Ann Lowe.” National Museum of American History. March 12, 2018. https://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/lowe. “Ethel Frankau, 85, a Director