White House History
@whitehousehistory.bsky.social
Protecting and preserving White House history since 1961.
The latest #1600Sessions, Association Pres. Stewart McLaurin speaks with Gary J. Walters, the longest serving Chief Usher in White House history, as he reflects on 37 years in the Executive Residence.
https://www.whitehousehistory.org/the-white-house-1600-sessions/the-white-house-chief-usher
https://www.whitehousehistory.org/the-white-house-1600-sessions/the-white-house-chief-usher
November 20, 2025 at 4:46 PM
The latest #1600Sessions, Association Pres. Stewart McLaurin speaks with Gary J. Walters, the longest serving Chief Usher in White House history, as he reflects on 37 years in the Executive Residence.
https://www.whitehousehistory.org/the-white-house-1600-sessions/the-white-house-chief-usher
https://www.whitehousehistory.org/the-white-house-1600-sessions/the-white-house-chief-usher
This #EducationWeek, we’re launching “The White House Workers” series, ten new short educational videos exploring the White House Residence Staff who bring history to life every day.
Check out the full series here: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/white-house-workers-videos
Check out the full series here: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/white-house-workers-videos
November 17, 2025 at 9:35 PM
This #EducationWeek, we’re launching “The White House Workers” series, ten new short educational videos exploring the White House Residence Staff who bring history to life every day.
Check out the full series here: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/white-house-workers-videos
Check out the full series here: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/white-house-workers-videos
The new White House History Quarterly explores unrealized White House designs, stories behind L’Enfant’s plan, Washington’s Germantown home, & a Steinway piano that never found a place in the White House. https://shop.whitehousehistory.org/products/the-white-house-that-wasn-t-79
🖼️: Peter Waddell
🖼️: Peter Waddell
November 5, 2025 at 3:01 PM
The new White House History Quarterly explores unrealized White House designs, stories behind L’Enfant’s plan, Washington’s Germantown home, & a Steinway piano that never found a place in the White House. https://shop.whitehousehistory.org/products/the-white-house-that-wasn-t-79
🖼️: Peter Waddell
🖼️: Peter Waddell
It’s #ChildrensBookWeek We’re celebrating the joy of reading together. White House Historical Association authors Rocco Smirne, Jon Pliska, Anita McBride, and Gigi McBride share how books inspire them and why reading with a child creates lasting memories.
November 4, 2025 at 4:02 PM
It’s #ChildrensBookWeek We’re celebrating the joy of reading together. White House Historical Association authors Rocco Smirne, Jon Pliska, Anita McBride, and Gigi McBride share how books inspire them and why reading with a child creates lasting memories.
#OTD: 225 years ago, the White House welcomed its first residents: Pres. John Adams & First Lady Abigail Adams.
More in new USA TODAY Opinion from Association President, Stewart McLaurin. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2025/11/01/white-house-history-washington-dc/86978197007/
📸: WHHA
More in new USA TODAY Opinion from Association President, Stewart McLaurin. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2025/11/01/white-house-history-washington-dc/86978197007/
📸: WHHA
November 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM
#OTD: 225 years ago, the White House welcomed its first residents: Pres. John Adams & First Lady Abigail Adams.
More in new USA TODAY Opinion from Association President, Stewart McLaurin. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2025/11/01/white-house-history-washington-dc/86978197007/
📸: WHHA
More in new USA TODAY Opinion from Association President, Stewart McLaurin. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2025/11/01/white-house-history-washington-dc/86978197007/
📸: WHHA
In the latest #1600Sessions, our Pres. Stewart McLaurin speaks with François Audouy production designer for Netflix and Shondaland's The Residence, about the research and craftsmanship to build the set and bring the White House to the screen.
Watch now: www.whitehousehistory.org/podcast
Watch now: www.whitehousehistory.org/podcast
October 28, 2025 at 6:15 PM
In the latest #1600Sessions, our Pres. Stewart McLaurin speaks with François Audouy production designer for Netflix and Shondaland's The Residence, about the research and craftsmanship to build the set and bring the White House to the screen.
Watch now: www.whitehousehistory.org/podcast
Watch now: www.whitehousehistory.org/podcast
“The most historic telephone call ever made from the White House,” Pres. Nixon. Read more in USA TODAY Opinion by Assoc. Pres. Stewart McLaurin: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2025/10/21/white-house-presidents-technology/86727238007/
🎥: Richard Nixon Foundation/U.S. National Archives
🎥: Richard Nixon Foundation/U.S. National Archives
October 22, 2025 at 3:02 PM
“The most historic telephone call ever made from the White House,” Pres. Nixon. Read more in USA TODAY Opinion by Assoc. Pres. Stewart McLaurin: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2025/10/21/white-house-presidents-technology/86727238007/
🎥: Richard Nixon Foundation/U.S. National Archives
🎥: Richard Nixon Foundation/U.S. National Archives
This month’s #SuitedToLead feature spotlights Pres. Theodore Roosevelt, whose early style earned him the nickname “the dude.” Explore more of the digital exhibit:
www.whitehousehistory.org/digital-arch...
Images: Library of Congress
www.whitehousehistory.org/digital-arch...
Images: Library of Congress
October 20, 2025 at 4:58 PM
This month’s #SuitedToLead feature spotlights Pres. Theodore Roosevelt, whose early style earned him the nickname “the dude.” Explore more of the digital exhibit:
www.whitehousehistory.org/digital-arch...
Images: Library of Congress
www.whitehousehistory.org/digital-arch...
Images: Library of Congress
Explore the White House History Digital Archives a living collection representing the People’s House. 30,000+ items & growing with new digital collections & exhibits coming soon: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/digital-archives
📸:WHHA/White House Collection, JFK Presidential Library & Museum/NARA
📸:WHHA/White House Collection, JFK Presidential Library & Museum/NARA
October 8, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Explore the White House History Digital Archives a living collection representing the People’s House. 30,000+ items & growing with new digital collections & exhibits coming soon: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/digital-archives
📸:WHHA/White House Collection, JFK Presidential Library & Museum/NARA
📸:WHHA/White House Collection, JFK Presidential Library & Museum/NARA
In the latest #1600Sessions episode, our President Stewart McLaurin joins Alan Price of the JFK Pres. Library & Museum to tour their new exhibit Presidential Pets and explore the animals who left their prints on White House history.
Watch now: www.whitehousehistory.org/the-white-ho...
Watch now: www.whitehousehistory.org/the-white-ho...
September 30, 2025 at 2:23 PM
In the latest #1600Sessions episode, our President Stewart McLaurin joins Alan Price of the JFK Pres. Library & Museum to tour their new exhibit Presidential Pets and explore the animals who left their prints on White House history.
Watch now: www.whitehousehistory.org/the-white-ho...
Watch now: www.whitehousehistory.org/the-white-ho...
These boots were made for leading
And that's just what they'll do 👢
Check out today’s photos of presidents rocking their best cowboy boots at and away from the White House.
Image 1: @NatlParkService
Image 2: @TrumanLibrary
Image 3: @lbjlibrary.bsky.social
Image 4: @Reagan_Library
And that's just what they'll do 👢
Check out today’s photos of presidents rocking their best cowboy boots at and away from the White House.
Image 1: @NatlParkService
Image 2: @TrumanLibrary
Image 3: @lbjlibrary.bsky.social
Image 4: @Reagan_Library
September 17, 2025 at 3:37 PM
These boots were made for leading
And that's just what they'll do 👢
Check out today’s photos of presidents rocking their best cowboy boots at and away from the White House.
Image 1: @NatlParkService
Image 2: @TrumanLibrary
Image 3: @lbjlibrary.bsky.social
Image 4: @Reagan_Library
And that's just what they'll do 👢
Check out today’s photos of presidents rocking their best cowboy boots at and away from the White House.
Image 1: @NatlParkService
Image 2: @TrumanLibrary
Image 3: @lbjlibrary.bsky.social
Image 4: @Reagan_Library
Sunday, Monday, happy days, Tuesday, Wednesday, happy days! Actors Ron Howard and Anson Williams from the television show "Happy Days" were two of the many celebrities who dropped by the White House during Ronald Reagan’s presidency.
Image: Courtesy of Henry & Carole Haller and Family
Image: Courtesy of Henry & Carole Haller and Family
August 27, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Sunday, Monday, happy days, Tuesday, Wednesday, happy days! Actors Ron Howard and Anson Williams from the television show "Happy Days" were two of the many celebrities who dropped by the White House during Ronald Reagan’s presidency.
Image: Courtesy of Henry & Carole Haller and Family
Image: Courtesy of Henry & Carole Haller and Family
First Lady Abigail Fillmore presided over the White House until the end of her husband Millard Fillmore’s term in 1853, and the two attended incoming President Franklin Pierce’s Inauguration (pictured) on March 4, 1853.
🖼️: @librarycongress.bsky.social
🖼️: @librarycongress.bsky.social
August 21, 2025 at 4:30 PM
First Lady Abigail Fillmore presided over the White House until the end of her husband Millard Fillmore’s term in 1853, and the two attended incoming President Franklin Pierce’s Inauguration (pictured) on March 4, 1853.
🖼️: @librarycongress.bsky.social
🖼️: @librarycongress.bsky.social
Welcome to the White House Library. 📚
What initially began as a utility room, the Library evolved into a space filled with the best of American literature, thanks to the efforts of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who established it in 1935.
📷: Matthew D'Agostino, WHHA
What initially began as a utility room, the Library evolved into a space filled with the best of American literature, thanks to the efforts of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who established it in 1935.
📷: Matthew D'Agostino, WHHA
August 19, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Welcome to the White House Library. 📚
What initially began as a utility room, the Library evolved into a space filled with the best of American literature, thanks to the efforts of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who established it in 1935.
📷: Matthew D'Agostino, WHHA
What initially began as a utility room, the Library evolved into a space filled with the best of American literature, thanks to the efforts of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who established it in 1935.
📷: Matthew D'Agostino, WHHA
First Lady Abigail Fillmore met and hosted some of the world’s most accomplished authors.
Image: @librarycongress.bsky.social
Image: @librarycongress.bsky.social
August 14, 2025 at 3:57 PM
First Lady Abigail Fillmore met and hosted some of the world’s most accomplished authors.
Image: @librarycongress.bsky.social
Image: @librarycongress.bsky.social
Happy National Bowling Day! 🎳
President Richard Nixon had a passion for bowling—he even constructed an underground single-lane bowling alley beneath the White House driveway.
📷: @USNatArchives
President Richard Nixon had a passion for bowling—he even constructed an underground single-lane bowling alley beneath the White House driveway.
📷: @USNatArchives
August 12, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Happy National Bowling Day! 🎳
President Richard Nixon had a passion for bowling—he even constructed an underground single-lane bowling alley beneath the White House driveway.
📷: @USNatArchives
President Richard Nixon had a passion for bowling—he even constructed an underground single-lane bowling alley beneath the White House driveway.
📷: @USNatArchives
On March 6, 1933, Mrs. Roosevelt held her first press conference in the White House, becoming the first first lady to speak openly with the press.
📷: @librarycongress.bsky.social
📷: @librarycongress.bsky.social
August 8, 2025 at 10:00 PM
On March 6, 1933, Mrs. Roosevelt held her first press conference in the White House, becoming the first first lady to speak openly with the press.
📷: @librarycongress.bsky.social
📷: @librarycongress.bsky.social
During her tenure at the White House, Eleanor Roosevelt revolutionized the role of the first lady.
In a time when women in journalism were often overlooked and underappreciated, she changed that.
🖼️: White House Historical Association / White House Collection
In a time when women in journalism were often overlooked and underappreciated, she changed that.
🖼️: White House Historical Association / White House Collection
August 8, 2025 at 10:00 PM
During her tenure at the White House, Eleanor Roosevelt revolutionized the role of the first lady.
In a time when women in journalism were often overlooked and underappreciated, she changed that.
🖼️: White House Historical Association / White House Collection
In a time when women in journalism were often overlooked and underappreciated, she changed that.
🖼️: White House Historical Association / White House Collection
Pictured is President Kennedy’s Purple Heart medal alongside his Navy-Marine Corps Medal.
These items are part of the collection at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
These items are part of the collection at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
August 7, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Pictured is President Kennedy’s Purple Heart medal alongside his Navy-Marine Corps Medal.
These items are part of the collection at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
These items are part of the collection at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
He was able to carve an SOS message into a coconut to alert locals of their misfortune, "NAURO ISL…COMMANDER…NATIVE KNOWS POS'IT…HE CAN PILOT…11 ALIVE…NEED SMALL BOAT…KENNEDY."
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
August 7, 2025 at 3:45 PM
He was able to carve an SOS message into a coconut to alert locals of their misfortune, "NAURO ISL…COMMANDER…NATIVE KNOWS POS'IT…HE CAN PILOT…11 ALIVE…NEED SMALL BOAT…KENNEDY."
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
The future president took charge of the rescue operations and guided his team members to a nearby island to recover.
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
August 7, 2025 at 3:44 PM
The future president took charge of the rescue operations and guided his team members to a nearby island to recover.
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
On the fateful night of August 1, 1943, Lieutenant Kennedy and his crew found themselves navigating treacherous waters.
Around 2:30 am, chaos erupted, and they collided with a boat, knocking them into the cold waters.
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
Around 2:30 am, chaos erupted, and they collided with a boat, knocking them into the cold waters.
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
August 7, 2025 at 3:44 PM
On the fateful night of August 1, 1943, Lieutenant Kennedy and his crew found themselves navigating treacherous waters.
Around 2:30 am, chaos erupted, and they collided with a boat, knocking them into the cold waters.
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
Around 2:30 am, chaos erupted, and they collided with a boat, knocking them into the cold waters.
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
President John F. Kennedy is the first and only president to receive this honor, serving as a second lieutenant in the Navy during #WWII.
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
August 7, 2025 at 3:43 PM
President John F. Kennedy is the first and only president to receive this honor, serving as a second lieutenant in the Navy during #WWII.
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
📷: @jfklibraryfdn.bsky.social / @usnatarchives.bsky.social
Today we celebrate #NationalPurpleHeartDay💜
On August 7, 1782, General George Washington established the Purple Heart to award soldiers who were killed or wounded in combat.
📷: Photo by Spc. Ken Scar
On August 7, 1782, General George Washington established the Purple Heart to award soldiers who were killed or wounded in combat.
📷: Photo by Spc. Ken Scar
August 7, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Today we celebrate #NationalPurpleHeartDay💜
On August 7, 1782, General George Washington established the Purple Heart to award soldiers who were killed or wounded in combat.
📷: Photo by Spc. Ken Scar
On August 7, 1782, General George Washington established the Purple Heart to award soldiers who were killed or wounded in combat.
📷: Photo by Spc. Ken Scar
August 6 marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act, which protected voting rights for African Americans.
Learn more about the history of the Voting Rights Act and the larger Civil Rights Movement on our website:
www.whitehousehistory.org/we-shall-ove...
Learn more about the history of the Voting Rights Act and the larger Civil Rights Movement on our website:
www.whitehousehistory.org/we-shall-ove...
August 5, 2025 at 2:39 PM
August 6 marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act, which protected voting rights for African Americans.
Learn more about the history of the Voting Rights Act and the larger Civil Rights Movement on our website:
www.whitehousehistory.org/we-shall-ove...
Learn more about the history of the Voting Rights Act and the larger Civil Rights Movement on our website:
www.whitehousehistory.org/we-shall-ove...