The White House 1600 Sessions

Latest Episodes:

16 The Irish Architect and the Scottish Stonemasons May 25, 2018

Show notes

In 1792, Irish immigrant James Hoban won a contest to design the White House and created an enduring symbol for America and the world. Stewart McLaurin talks to Ed Lengel and Merlo Kelly about their forthcoming book on Hoban's architectural legacy, and Scottish stonemason Charles Jones about recreating the historic stone carvings of the White House.

15 The Power of Partnerships Apr 20, 2018

Show notes

The history of the White House appears in unexpected places, from trivia questions at Major League Baseball games to archival photos and a tour of the White House on your smartphone. Stewart McLaurin hosts a roundtable discussion with Association partners Teresa Carlson of Worldwide Public Sector at Amazon Web Services, Valerie Camillo of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club and Margaret Talev of the White House Correspondents' Association, about how twenty-first century partnerships help preserve and promote the history of the White House, and how history is relevant and alive to us today.

14 Mona Lisa in Camelot Mar 21, 2018

Show notes

In 1963, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy helped arrange one of the most daring art exhibits in American history, bringing Leonardo da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa painting from Paris to Washington, DC, and New York City. Stewart McLaurin talks to award-winning author Margaret Leslie Davis about her book 'Mona Lisa in Camelot," recalling the Mona Mania that gripped the country, and why this fascinating episode has been largely forgotten today.

13 Remembering the Truman White House, A Grandson's Reflections Feb 19, 2018

Show notes

No recent president has had more impact on the White House than Harry S. Truman, who both modernized the building and preserved it for future generations. Stewart McLaurin talks with President Truman's grandson, Clifton Daniel, about the historic White House renovations during the Truman administration, and his memories of his grandparents during their long retirement from the presidency.

12 Death in the White House Jan 25, 2018

Show notes

Death comes to every home, including the White House. From the loss of cherished family members to presidential funerals, there are many established White House traditions surrounding grief. Stewart McLaurin explores the history of presidential mourning with the Association's Senior Historian, Matthew Costello, Calvin Coolidge biographer Amity Shlaes, and Kevin Eckstrom of the Washington National Cathedral.

11 Holidays at the White House Dec 11, 2017

Show notes

From your family to the First Family, the winter holidays are a special time of year. Stewart McLaurin explores the history behind Christmas traditions at the White House, talking to Jennifer Pickens, author of "Christmas at the White House," former Chief Usher Gary Walters, and former Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier.

10 The President's Own: The Marine Band and the White House Nov 28, 2017

Show notes

From entertainment to diplomacy, music has played an important role in White House history. Stewart McLaurin talks to Colonel Jason Fettig, Director of the "President's Own" U.S. Marine Band, about the organization that has provided the soundtrack for the White House and America for more than 200 years. The Marine Band is featured in The White House Historical Association's latest publication, Music at the White House.

09 Founding the White House Historical Association Nov 14, 2017

Show notes

The White House Historical Association has been preserving and sharing White House history since its founding by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961. Stewart McLaurin interviews two people who were there from the beginning - Nash Castro and Leonard Silverstein - and former Chief Usher Gary Walters about the impact of the Association over the past 56 years.

08 A Conversation With Michael Beschloss Oct 25, 2017

Show notes

The White House has always shaped the lives of the Presidents and First Families who have lived there, and reflected the mood and times of the country at large. Stewart McLaurin talks to presidential historian Michael Beschloss about some of his favorite stories from White House history, and the important role the Executive Mansion plays, both symbolic and day-to-day for Presidents and the nation.

07 White House Curator Sep 13, 2017

Show notes

Who takes care of the thousands of historic artifacts in the White House, cataloguing and preserving everything from presidential portraits to presidential china? And how does that person balance the needs of a building that is both a museum and symbol of American democracy, as well as an office and a family home? Stewart D. McLaurin interviews former White House Curator William Allman about his forty-year career caring for a house full of American treasures through eight presidential administrations.

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