The White House 1600 Sessions

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06 Social Secretaries Aug 18, 2017

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How do you plan for a State Dinner with hundreds of guests, a private meal with a King and Queen or an historic peace treaty signing? What does it take to host several public events each day, as well as private events for the President, First Lady and their family? Stewart D. McLaurin interviews former White House Social Secretaries Ann Stock and Amy Zantzinger for a behind-the-scenes look at planning events in the Executive Mansion.

05 A White House of Stone Jun 07, 2017

Show notes

The White House has seen many physical changes throughout its more than 200 years of history. But its original stone walls, taken from a quarry in Aquia, Virginia, have always endured, surviving the fires of war and major twentieth century renovations. Stewart D. McLaurin interviews author William Seale about his new book, "A White House of Stone," which tells the story of the original construction of the President's House - and the men who built it - from the ground up.

04 British Invasion to French Restoration May 02, 2017

Show notes

The burning of the White House by the British in 1814 during James Madison's presidency represented a low point in our political relations with England - but its restoration during James Monroe's administration demonstrated a high point of our cultural connections to France. For the 200th anniversary of Monroe's moving back into the White House, Stewart McLaurin interviews White Historical Association Historians Edward Lengel and Matthew Costello about the British invasion and a French restoration.

03 Springtime at the White House Mar 30, 2017

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Spring is a special time in our nation's capital, when cherry blossoms bloom and the White House garden comes alive. Some spring traditions - like the famous White House Easter Egg Roll - date back to the 19th Century, while others are more recent additions. In this episode, White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin interviews Jim McDaniel, former Director of the White House Liaison for the National Park Service, and Ellie Schafer, former Director of the White House Visitors Office, about preserving the grounds and gardens and planning the iconic events that welcome thousands of visitors to the White House each year to celebrate the beginning of spring.

02 Presidential Portraits Feb 23, 2017

Show notes

Portrait artists have captured the images and personalities of our Presidents and First Ladies throughout history, providing a record of their time in office and highlighting their accomplishments and leadership. It wasn't always tradition to commission a portrait for the president, as it is today. Each one comes with a unique story, from the symbolism in the portrait to the artist who painted it. White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin talks to Former White House Curator Betty Monkman and Art Historian William Kloss to learn more about the history of these portraits, how the White House began to collect them, and the stories they tell.

01 Moving Day Jan 19, 2017

Show notes

Americans are familiar with the ceremonies of Inauguration Day, when a new President takes the oath of office at the Capitol. But what happens behind closed doors at the White House when you have just a few frantic hours to prepare for a new First Family? From the private residence and West Wing to the public State Rooms, what changes and what stays the same when a new President enters 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? In our inaugural podcast, White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin talks to Anita McBride, a veteran of three presidential administrations, about the historic traditions and the organized chaos behind this most iconic of Moving Days.

00 Introduction Jan 18, 2017

Show notes

The White House Historical Association presents The 1600 Sessions, a podcast that explores the history, untold stories and personal accounts of America's most iconic residence and office – The White House.

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