The White House 1600 Sessions

Latest Episodes:

96. Blair House: The President's Guest House Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

Blair House, known as the president's guest house, is located mere steps from the White House. 2024 marks the bicentennial of the building of Blair House, which for 200 years has been a quiet but integral part of our nation's history. Today, Blair House is actually a complex made up of four townhouses. Originally built in 1824 for Doctor Joseph Lovell, the first Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, the Blair family purchased the property in 1837 when Francis Preston Blair became publisher of the pro-Andrew Jackson newspaper, The Washington Globe.

Blair was an influential member of President Jackson's inner circle and remained an informal adviser and confidante to Presidents Martin Van Buren and Abraham Lincoln, the latter of whom was a frequent visitor. As the city began to change, it would be Blair's grandson, Gist, who sought President Franklin Roosevelt's help in preserving the home. In the 1940s, the federal government purchased Blair House and began transforming it into the president's guest house for visiting dignitaries. It's also become the place where the president-elect usually stays before every presidential inauguration, and a welcoming sanctuary for many of the grieving presidential families during a state funeral. Blair House is a living, working space that is maintained with the utmost care: the staffing and structural needs are supported by the U.S. Department of State, and since 1985, the nonprofit, nonpartisan Blair House Foundation has raised private funds to preserve the rooms, gardens and amenities.

Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, speaks about the history of Blair House and its importance to American diplomacy with the Honorable Capricia Marshall, former U.S. Chief of Protocol and vice chair of the Blair House 200th Anniversary Campaign, and Ambassador Stuart Holliday, former U.S. ambassador for special political affairs at the United Nations and trustee of the Blair House Foundation. Stewart also takes a tour of the complex with Matthew Wendel, the assistant chief of protocol and general manager of Blair House. Since Blair House is closed to the public, this is a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and see the museum-standard artifacts, diplomatic spaces, and the principal suite where queens, presidents, and other dignitaries have stayed.

An updated edition of the White House Historical Publication Blair House The President's Guest House by William Seale is available at shop.whitehousehistory.org.

95. Presidential Leadership Lessons Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

President of the United States and Commander in Chief are titles that only 45 unique men over 46 presidencies have carried since the office was established in 1789. It is a role that is continually being shaped and reshaped through each decade, presidency, personality, and each of the character traits that have defined these men. Author, historian, and attorney, Talmage Boston, set out to see what made eight of these presidents a great leader - from George Washington to Ronald Reagan - in his new book "How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents."

White House Historical Association president Stewart McLaurin sat down with Talmage to talk about the lessons outlined in the book, as well as how those lessons can be applied by people in all walks of life, and of all ages, who want to work on becoming a better leader, and perhaps, even a better citizen. They discuss examples of these presidents' strengths and character, as well as some of their flaws and shortcomings. With dozens of leadership traits, you can learn how to inspire optimism like Ronald Reagan, learn from your mistakes like John F. Kennedy, manage teams like Dwight D. Eisenhower, and more.

94. The Making of President Theodore Roosevelt May 21, 2024

Show notes

Theodore Roosevelt is often thought of as the Rough Rider and the man known for quoting the proverb "Speak softly and carry a big stick…." Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, met with Edward O'Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation and author of the new book called The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: The Women Who Created a President to discuss another side of T.R.: the five extraordinary women without whom he may never have become the 26th President of the United States.

Join Stewart and Ed as they visit Theodore Roosevelt Island, the national memorial located in Washington, D.C.'s Potomac River, and reflect on the man born in New York City who some would call "the conservation president." Roosevelt was an imperfect man of his time, one born to privilege but who advocated the strenuous life after struggling with ill-health and losing two of his greatest loves, his mother and his first wife, on the same day. We learn about his mother, Martha, a Southern belle with a keen wit, and Alice, his college sweetheart and first wife, who drew him away from science and into politics, including the support of women's suffrage.

We meet T.R.'s older sister, Anna, who would become his trusted advisor and political strategist, and his younger sister, Corinne, would become one of his best promoters. Then we're introduced to First Lady Edith Carow Roosevelt, Theodore's childhood playmate and second wife, who would go on to leave her own mark on the White House both in the role of presidential spouse as well as with a major renovation of the Executive Mansion. Hear more about these five women, an update on the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library being built in North Dakota, and get a view of Theodore Roosevelt Island, in this episode of The White House 1600 Sessions.

Find all our podcasts at: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/the-white-house-1600-sessions

93. Washington National Cathedral and the White House Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

Washington National Cathedral sits atop the highest point in Washington, D.C. and is the sixth largest cathedral in the world. This splendid example of Gothic architecture is not only the home to an Episcopal congregation but a house of prayer for all people from around the United States and the world. When President George Washington commissioned Major Pierre L'Enfant in 1791 to create a plan for the new capital city, L'Enfant included in his design a great church for national purposes.

The idea never happened as L'Enfant envisioned, instead it would be more than 100 years before Congress granted a charter authorizing a cathedral dedicated to religion, education, and charity. Construction began in 1907 and the Washington National Cathedral took shape during two World Wars, the Great Depression and 16 presidencies - from President Theodore Roosevelt to President George H.W. Bush. We know it today as a sacred place which holds state funerals of presidents, memorial services of great Americans, as well as national prayer services. There's even one president buried at the Cathedral.

White House Historical Association president Stewart McLaurin is joined by the Very Reverend Randolph Hollerith, the 11th Dean of Washington National Cathedral, and Reverend Canon Jan Naylor Cope, the Provost of Washington National Cathedral, to discuss the role the Cathedral has played in America's history and the indelible link it has to those who hold the office of the President of the United States. We also go on a tour of the Cathedral and see where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his final Sunday sermon, where a stone taken from the White House during the Truman renovation is embedded into a wall of the Cathedral, and many more treasures.

92. America's Irish Roots Mar 15, 2024

Show notes

Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, sits down with White House Historical Association president Stewart McLaurin to discuss the depth of America's Irish roots. The history between Ireland and the United States goes back to the founding of America and the Revolutionary War. Irish immigrants and their descendants helped build this country, including the Irish-born James Hoban, who emigrated to the U.S. and went on to design the White House. Millions of Americans claim their Irish heritage, including half of all U.S. presidents.

So, it's no surprise that the White House continues to mark the month of March with several St. Patrick's Day traditions, from the gifting of shamrocks between a representative of Ireland's leadership to the president to dyeing the water green in the White House fountains. But the relationship between Ireland and the United States extends beyond these celebrations, with diplomacy and investment driving a longstanding friendship built on a spirit of independence. In the words of President Joe Biden, "the fabric of modern America is woven through with the green of the Emerald Isle."

91. President Jimmy Carter: Faith, Family, and a Presidency Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

Jonathan Alter, journalist and author of "His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, A Life," talks with Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, about the remarkable journey of President Jimmy Carter from peanut farmer to Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Filmed at the First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C., the church home of the Carters while they lived in the White House, Stewart and Jonathan met with Rev. Julie Pennington-Russell, who showed them rare memorabilia, including the Carter family's original membership cards, where Amy received baptism, and where the President taught adult Sunday school more than a dozen times during his presidency.

Born in Plains, Georgia on October 1, 1924, President Carter grew up without running water or electricity. Eager to leave home, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy, married, and served in the U.S. Navy. He and his young wife and kids returned to Plains to help save the family farm after his father passed away. From there, he took an interest in politics, working his way up from county boards to the Georgia State Senate to the Governor's Mansion. Then he and Mrs. Carter launched into national politics, winning the 1976 election and moving to Washington, D.C. with their youngest child and only daughter, Amy. Known for a life of faith and service, the 39th President of the United States became the longest-lived president and half of the longest-married presidential couple in U.S. history.

Stewart and Jonathan talk about the Carters' time in the White House and the decades-long post-presidency they spent creating The Carter Center, which works to alleviate human suffering around the world, and among many other things, building homes with Habitat for Humanity, and raising awareness about mental health and caregiving.

The Official 2024 White House Christmas Ornament features a unique design inspired by the life and presidency of Jimmy Carter. You can purchase an ornament at this link.

90. The History of Wine and the White House Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

From the hearty Madeira to the fine Château Margaux, wine has a long and important history for presidents' palates and life in the White House. Even during times of Temperance and Prohibition, as well as the temporary hold on social events during Covid, the serving of wine and its use as a tool of protocol and persuasion managed to persevere.

Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, interviews Frederick J. Ryan about the new edition of his book published with the Association, "Wine and the White House: A History." Sitting in the wine cellar at The Jefferson, a hotel located just blocks from the White House, Stewart and Fred talk about the unique role wine plays in presidential entertaining and social diplomacy.

This episode showcases the features of the new edition which has chapters on all the presidents from Washington to Biden, explores several of the favorite vintages served at the White House, highlights the art of giving a toast, and pages of menus from historic White House gatherings.

89. Palace of State: The Eisenhower Executive Office Building Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

Just steps away from the White House stands the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building, also known as the EEOB, and formerly known as the Old Executive Office Building.

The EEOB has been called a masterpiece of French Second Empire style yet has had its share of critics as it looks much different than most government buildings in the nation's capital. The granite, slate and cast-iron exterior has stood for more than 150 years, and originally housed the departments of State, War, and the Navy. Today this building contains the office of the vice president, most senior presidential staff members, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the National Security Council staff, among others. Though it was threatened with alteration or demolition several times throughout its existence, and even survived a couple of fires, the EEOB was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1969. One reason this building remains in working condition is thanks to the preservation efforts of John F.W. Rogers who started the renovation process while serving as an assistant to President Ronald Reagan. White House Historical Association president Stewart McLaurin spoke with John about his passion for preservation and education, a role John continues as the Association's chairman of the board. Learn about the EEOB's rich architecture and legacy, and follow along as they take you on a rare tour of the incredible spaces and hallowed halls which have borne witness to history.

88. Remembering President John F. Kennedy: A 60th Anniversary Special Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

On November 22, 1963, the world changed forever when President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated while campaigning in Dallas, Texas. The youngest man to have been elected president was now the youngest to die in office. That was sixty years ago, and for those who were alive at the time, it is a day they will never forget.

In this anniversary episode, White House Historical Association president Stewart McLaurin hears the personal experiences of several people with not only a front row seat to history, but who were a part of it: Luci Baines Johnson, the daughter of then-Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was in a high school class when she heard the president had been shot; former secretary of the Navy, John Dalton, marched as a midshipman with the United States Naval Academy in President Kennedy's funeral procession; and Robert McGee, the son of a United States senator who was a friend of the president, witnessed First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and daughter Caroline pay their respects to their husband and father as he lain in state at the Capitol rotunda.

This special episode reflects how the 35th president of the United States, who served barely 1000 days of his term, inspired an entire generation to reach for a new frontier - and whose death, and promise, continues to reverberate around the world.

87. Home Again with Susan Ford Bales Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

It was a homecoming decades in the making. Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, had the unique opportunity to bring Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford, back to the only place she called home before living in the White House. The Fords moved into the Alexandria, Virginia home in the 1950's while he served as a U.S. Congressman from Michigan. It was in this home that Susan and her three older brothers grew up, celebrating birthdays and Christmases, swimming in the backyard, and eating family dinners. It was also here that Susan answered the phone when President Richard Nixon called to offer her father the job of Vice President. Little did they know that this home would also essentially be the White House until the Nixon family vacated the other one after the president resigned. It was an emotional trip down memory lane for Susan who had not returned to the landmarked home in years. While it is a private residence, the current owners were kind enough to welcome Stewart and Susan for a very special episode in which Susan shares personal stories of her time in the White House and her role in carrying on her parents' legacy.

The Association's Official 2023 White House Christmas Ornament features decorations inspired by the handcrafted decorations used in the White House during the Ford administration. You can purchase an ornament at this link.

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