Benjamin Banneker was a free African-American man living in Maryland during the …
Benjamin Banneker was a free African-American man living in Maryland during the 18th century. Banneker was well educated, a talented surveyor, author, and even clockmaker, but still faced many of the same racial prejudices faced by African Americans, free and enslaved. This article examine's Banneker's vital role in the surveying and establishment of Washington, D.C. as well as his relationships with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
On July 25, 2016, First Lady Michelle Obama delivered a powerful statement …
On July 25, 2016, First Lady Michelle Obama delivered a powerful statement before the Democratic National Convention: "I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves." This article traces and illustrates the truths of that statement and examines the role of enslaved and free labor in the construction of the White House and U.S. Capitol Building.
For more than 100 years, people have exercised their First Amendment rights …
For more than 100 years, people have exercised their First Amendment rights to speak out using the White House as both their stage and audience. Many of these protests have influenced legislation and encouraged government action. Demonstrations at the White House have taken the form of nighttime vigils, marches, picketing, and other peaceful activities.
Although many people think of the White House as a symbol of …
Although many people think of the White House as a symbol of democracy, it is also a part of our country’s history of slavery. From the start of White House construction in 1792 until emancipation took effect in Washington, D.C. in 1862, enslaved men, women, and children labored at the Executive Mansion. The stories of these individuals, working under the oppressive institution of slavery in the “People’s House,” demonstrate a stark contrast to the ideals of freedom and democracy that the White House has long represented.
The construction of the White House prompted the growth of the surrounding …
The construction of the White House prompted the growth of the surrounding area into a vibrant neighborhood for the president. Today, Lafayette Square sits to the north side of the White House and serves as a public park. Visitors come to catch a glimpse of the Executive Mansion through the gates and, amidst this green space, encounter statues commemorating America's past. Lafayette Square is bordered by a variety of townhouses and structures, some dating back to the early nineteenth century. Discover the history behind the park and its buildings, as well as the preservation efforts of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in the White House neighborhood.
Ever since John and Abigail Adams moved into the President's House in …
Ever since John and Abigail Adams moved into the President's House in 1800, hundreds of individuals have worked behind the scenes to help the White House fulfill its roles as a home, office, and museum. White House staff serve the many needs of the first family in a variety of occupations. They prepare family meals, serve elaborate State Dinners, maintain the grounds, and much more. There is no such thing as a "typical" day in the White House. Explore the dedication and skills of the residence staff, their cohesion as a community, their special relationship with the first family, and their experiences as witnesses to the nation's history.
This article by White House Historian Lina Mann examines the complicated place …
This article by White House Historian Lina Mann examines the complicated place of slavery in Washington, D.C. from founding to the Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862.
Discover the history behind the creation of Washington D.C. and beginning of …
Discover the history behind the creation of Washington D.C. and beginning of the White House. Featuring Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, historian at the White House Historical Association and author of The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution
Help your students discover the technological innovations that changed the White House …
Help your students discover the technological innovations that changed the White House - and American society. The'll research a technological advancement from the past, write a White House visitor's guide, and create a historical narrative that's set in the White House. This easy-to-use standards-based resources was created as hybrid ELA & Social Studies lessons with a STEM twist for grades 6-8
This article by White House Historian Lina Mann examines the enslaved persons …
This article by White House Historian Lina Mann examines the enslaved persons of the household of President Thomas Jefferson before, during, and after his presidency, as well as the role of enslaved persons in the White House at that time and Jefferson's preference to hire white servants while residing in the White House.
This article by historian Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky examines the household of …
This article by historian Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky examines the household of President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams. While the Adamses did not own enslaved people and preferred to hire free laborers, they did not avoid slavery altogether and tolerated the practice in their daily lives despite moral and political opposition to the institution.
Learn about George Washington's creation of the cabinet, an advisory group for …
Learn about George Washington's creation of the cabinet, an advisory group for the President of the United States of America, and the cabinet's place in White House history. Featuring Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, historian at the White House Historical Association and author of The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution
This article by Senior White House Historian Dr. Matthew Costello examines the …
This article by Senior White House Historian Dr. Matthew Costello examines the extraordinary life of Paul Jennings, enslaved member of the Madison household who later gained his freedom and wrote the first memoir of life at the White House.
The White House is a stage for the peaceful transfer of power …
The White House is a stage for the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next. Discover how the transfer from John Adams to Thomas Jefferson set this precedent. Featuring Dr. Matthew Costello, Senior Historian at the White House Historical Association.
Learn how the advent of photography created a new way to experience …
Learn how the advent of photography created a new way to experience life at the White House during the Civil War. Featuring Evan Phifer, former historian at the White House Historical Association.
The White House Historical Association is a private non-profit educational organization with …
The White House Historical Association is a private non-profit educational organization with a mission to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the Executive Mansion. Learn about how First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy helped found the Association in 1961 to help the White House collect and exhibit the very best artifacts of American history and culture. Featuring Stewart D. McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association.
This article by Senior White House Historian Dr. Matthew Costello examines the …
This article by Senior White House Historian Dr. Matthew Costello examines the history of Decatur House on Lafayette Square and the ajoining slave quarters - the only remaining phsycial evidence of men and women being held in bondage within sight of the White House.
Project undertaken by the White House Historical Association to examine the complicated …
Project undertaken by the White House Historical Association to examine the complicated past and paradoxical relationship between slavery and freedom in the nation's capital. Contains historian articles, primary sources, and interactive elements.
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