The history of America’s 250th anniversary runs squarely through the People’s House. Read more in USA TODAY Opinion from Association President Stewart McLaurin. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2026/01/30/white-house-us-history-250th-anniversary/88397641007/ 📸: WHHA

This January, we’re spotlighting White House ushers, including Gary J. Walters, the longest-serving Chief Usher. In White House Memories, he shares behind-the-scenes moments like Millie’s puppies charming visitors in the East Room. Back in stock: https://bit.ly/468Vg2X 📸 Courtesy of Gary Walters

White House Residence staff are famously private. For most, discretion is part of the job. Yet over the last two centuries, fewer than two dozen domestic workers chose to tell their stories, offering rare, behind-the-scenes views of life at the White House. Read more: https://bit.ly/459MJwj

In our latest #1600Sessions, Association President, Stewart McLaurin speaks with Beacon Design CEO Hamilton Davison & former president Dave Marquis about how the Official White House Christmas Ornament is designed and assembled by a remarkable team of artisans. Watch now: https://bit.ly/49xzMPw

In the next #1600Sessions episode, Association President Stewart McLaurin goes behind the scenes of the Official White House Christmas Ornament. From design sketches to 24-karat gold finishing, see how these American-made heirlooms come to life. Premieres Thursday: whitehousehistory.org/podcast

This month’s "Suited to Lead" spotlight features Jimmy Carter. From denim in the White House to tuxedos for formal State Dinners, his clothing reflected practicality, humility, and service throughout his life. Explore the exhibit: https://bit.ly/3YEZc7z 📸: Jimmy Carter Library & Museum/NARA

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

The White House is more than where the president lives and works. Who keeps it running? Meet the chief usher, the general manager of the Executive Mansion. Watch today’s White House Workers video to learn about the role and Chief Usher J.B. West. Explore the full series: https://bit.ly/3KIwAXO

Highlights from Suited to Lead: The Lives of Six Presidents Through Fashion continue with Abraham Lincoln. Best known for his black frock coat and top hat, Lincoln’s silk cravat was pre-tied, worn off-center, and reflected 1850s style trends. Explore the exhibit: https://bit.ly/3Y8KLZ6

In our latest #1600Sessions, Association President, Stewart McLaurin explores the presidential history of the Waldorf Astoria New York. From Herbert Hoover’s long stay to moments of American diplomacy, this iconic hotel tells a remarkable story. Watch now: https://ow.ly/9ICA50XLrmy

In the next episode of The White House #1600Sessions, Association President Stewart McLaurin explores the deep presidential history of the Waldorf Astoria New York. Premieres Thursday: whitehousehistory.org/podcast

Learn about the Blue Room Tree and decades of White House Christmas traditions in the latest USA Today Opinion column from Association President Stewart McLaurin: https://ow.ly/BV1h50XJ5R4 📸: Matthew D’Agostino/WHHA; George H. W. Bush Presidential Library/NARA

Today we’re sharing historic White House gingerbread creations & highlighting our new Mesnier Collection in the White House History Digital Archives. Explore: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/digital-archives/projects/the-roland-mesnier-collection 📸: Clinton Library, George W. Bush Library, NARA

Our next episode of Seasonal Stories with Susan Swain features White House Ornament collector Becky Brewbaker from Alabama. Becky’s tradition began 30+ years ago with a single ornament that grew into a full White House Ornament-themed tree. Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coyXgaF6glU

New release: White House Memories 1970–2007: Recollections of the Longest Serving Chief Usher. A rare inside look at 37 years in the Executive Residence. Pick up your copy: https://shop.whitehousehistory.org/products/white-house-memories-1970-2007-recollections-of-the-longest-serving-chief-usher

Introducing Coloring the White House, a creative new book for adults with detailed architectural drawings and essays exploring the colors and history of the People’s House. Get your copy: https://shop.whitehousehistory.org/collections/bookstore-books-and-journals/products/coloring-the-white-house

This #GivingTuesday, your support helps us provide access to White House history, expand education programs, and share stories with communities nationwide. Make a gift today: www.whitehousehistory.org/givingtuesday

Months of planning. Countless details. Hear from Former Social Secretaries Gahl Hodges Bert & Jeremy Bernard on what it takes to plan a White House State Dinner.

Our next episode of Seasonal Stories with Susan Swain features White House Ornament collector Janet Erdman from GA. Janet began collecting in the mid-90s and now has 35 ornaments that tell the story of her family and White House history. Watch on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy8RyaDGld8

Start the season with the Official 2025 White House Christmas Ornament. Earlier this season, Association President Stewart McLaurin visited Lincoln, RI, to see where each ornament is handmade. Pick up your ornament today: shop.whitehousehistory.org/2025

Our new series, Seasonal Stories with Susan Swain, begins with White House Ornament collector Michael Alderfer. Michael shares how these annual keepsakes became a meaningful part of his holiday tradition. Watch the full episode on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPjaAS8G8bA

This month’s #SuitedToLead feature spotlights Pres. John Q. Adams, whose “plain suit of black” at his 1825 inaugural address reflected intellect, discipline, and quiet confidence. Explore more: www.whitehousehistory.org/suited-to-lead#SuitedToLead 📸: WHHA/WHC, NPG/Smithsonian Institution

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

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

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

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#OTDfrom 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

“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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

First Lady Abigail Fillmore met and hosted some of the world’s most accomplished authors. 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

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

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

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...

Abigail Powers was born on March 13, 1798, in Stillwater, New York. In 1819, at twenty-one, she took a teaching position at New Hope Academy in New Hope, New York where she met 19 year-old student Millard Fillmore. They later married on February 26, 1826.  🖼️: WHHA / White House Collection

If you’re dreaming of turquoise water and white sand this summer, then we’ve got the perfect White House State Service for you!

On July 2, 1881, First Lady Lucretia Garfield was in Long Branch, New Jersey, recovering from malaria and preparing to join President James A. Garfield for a vacation in New England. That morning, however, the president was shot in Washington, D.C., by Charles Guiteau.

It’s vacation season… even for presidents! From beaches to retreats in Maine, tap through today's story to see how presidents and their families got some well-needed relaxation.

#OTD in 1969, First Daughter Julie Nixon Eisenhower conducted a tour of the White House for sight-impaired and partially blind children. 📷: James P. Blair, White House Historical Association

After President James A. Garfield was shot in 1881, Cyrus Field, founder of the Atlantic Telegraph Company, launched a national subscription fund to support First Lady Lucretia Garfield, and her children. 📷: White House Historical Association/White House Collection

That’s a wrap on Week 1 of #WHHTI25! Thank you to all the incredible educators who joined us to explore White House history. We’re so grateful for your energy, insights, and passion, and we can’t wait to welcome our Week 2 cohort next week! 📸: Thom Goertel & Ben Droz for WHHA

Queen Elizabeth II forged a remarkable connection to the United States, marked by friendships that spanned decades and had a significant influence on international relations. In fact, her reign lasted fourteen presidencies, and she visited the White House on multiple occasions. 📷: Abbie Rowe, NARA

Happy #IndependenceDay! 🎆 In 1801, Thomas Jefferson established Fourth of July White House traditions when he opened the doors to the public. Image 1: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum/NARA Image 2: Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum/NARA