Significant Events
Featured Collection
State Dinners
A State Dinner honoring a visiting head of government or reigning monarch is one of the grandest and most glamorous of White House affairs. It is part of an official State Visit and provides the president and first lady the opportunity to honor the visiting head of state and his or her spouse. In this collection, explore the history of
Diplomacy and the White House
Rights and Responsibilities in White House History
Forged by Fire: Dolley Madison, the White House, and the War of 1812
Have history come alive for students by facilitating a theatrical performance based on events from the War of 1812 with Forged By Fire: Dolley Madison, The White House, and the War of 1812. This play was created by the White House Historical Association’s educators using primary source research and geared towards 4-6 grade students. These student plays were previously performed during fi
Paths to Freedom: Slavery, Emancipation, and the Power of the President
Have history come alive for students by facilitating a theatrical performance based on events from the Civil War with Paths to Freedom: Slavery, Emancipation, and the Power of the President. This play was created by the White House Historical Association’s educators using primary source research and geared towards 4-6 grade students. These student plays were previously performed during field tr
White House China: Create Your Own White House China
Where Hospitality Makes History: State Visits
Since World War II, an ever-lengthening procession of foreign leaders has come to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to confer on global problems. These dignitaries are often formally entertained at the White House, and an invitation to attend such a function is highly coveted. Certainly a State Dinner to honor a visiting head of government or a reigning monarch is one of the
Easter Egg Roll: The Holiday Bustle and Hustle
As the Easter Monday event became more of an attraction, a rule was fixed to limit the number of people coming into the enclosed South Lawn. The rule stated that a "grown person would be admitted only when accompanied by a child" and vice versa. As a result, unescorted egg rollers and childless adults began teaming up at random so
Easter Egg Roll: Games, Old and New
The primary Easter Monday entertainment at the White House has always involved egg rolling. Participants roll dyed, hard-boiled eggs across the grass to see whose will go the furthest before cracking. Other egg sports enjoyed in the early years were egg ball, toss and catch, egg croquet and egg picking—a contest where eggs are pecked together until they crack. Af