White House Historical Association

The White House An Historic Guide. The White House Historical Association was formed in 1961 at the urging of Jackie Kennedy. She thought Americans should "see" the inside of the White House. The first edition came out in 1962. Sadly, the 22nd edition in 2003 was the last edition (the one I have) due to security measures. This is a wonderful, colorful, glossy book that takes one through each of the rooms in the White House, even the stairways. The highlights of each room are explained: artwork, history, architecture, famous individuals or events that took place in each room. Now, the reading was a bit dry, but the glossy color pictures more than made up for it. 155 pages 3 stars… (mere)

When my father was commander of The United States Army Military District of Washington (MDW) I was invited to a tour of the White House and was given this book as a gift so that as Mrs Kennedy said, “to help stimulate my sense of history and pride in our country.” Which can also be found in greater detail in her letter at the front of my edition of the book. The existence of this book was made possible by this gracious First Lady as was the formation of the White House Historical Society.

This guide book contains an excellent history of the residences of the President of the United States including those built for President Washington that he never resided in and those house that were his residence. President Washington was the only U.S. President to not live in the White House. The chronicling of the history of the White House, its structure, grounds, furnishings and occupants show how they changed over the years. The functions of the rooms and the important events that took place in those rooms.

Important and historical pieces are well detailed and this House of the American people is continually being restored and updated by donations of American citizens and foreign governments. Mrs. Kennedy who formed this association and the origin of this book was instrumental in having the history of the White House researched and compiled and the rooms restored with their historically significant furnishings. President John F. Kennedy hoped that the people of America would come and visit their house and find the common connection to history and tradition. I have not seen any later editions of this volume. A great reminder of your time in the White House.… (mere)