Special Report
Inauguration History
Every four years, the nation's capital plays host to a celebration of democracy when the president is sworn in as Commander in Chief.
From Washington to Biden, Inauguration History
The Speech and Bible From George Washington's First Inauguration Made History Many Times Over
The first president created the tradition of giving an inaugural address and swearing the oath of office on a Bible
Behind the Scenes With the White House Residence's Long-Serving Staff
A former first lady salutes the long-serving workers who keep the nation’s foremost home running smoothly
Why Do We Play 'Hail to the Chief' for the President?
A Scottish rebel features prominently in the anthem
Behind Inaugural Speeches, Meaningful Words
What words do presidents focus on most in their inaugural addresses? Explore speeches, from Washington to Obama
How John Adams Managed a Peaceful Transition of Presidential Power
In the election of 1800, for the first time in U.S. history, one party turned the executive office to another
Behind the Scenes With the White House Residence's Long-Serving Staff
A former first lady salutes the long-serving workers who keep the nation’s foremost home running smoothly
When Was the First Inaugural Ball?
Nothing says there’s a new president in town more than the dance party they throw
Document Deep Dive: The Menu From President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Ball
What delicacies and confectionaries were found on the 250-foot-long buffet table?
Why Do We Play 'Hail to the Chief' for the President?
A Scottish rebel features prominently in the anthem
Melania Trump Donates Her Inaugural Ball Gown to the Smithsonian
Mrs. Trump, who confesses a passion for design, had a precise idea of what she wanted to wear on that historic evening
If Only Hollywood Would Show Us Lincoln’s Second Inaugural
Our pop culture curator Amy Henderson strolls the halls of the Old Patent Building imagining the scene of Lincoln's 1865 inaugural ball
Inaugural Firsts
When was the first inaugural parade? Who had the longest inaugural address? A look at presidential inaugurations through time
Who Were the Six Native American Chiefs in Teddy Roosevelt’s Inaugural Parade?
Another inauguration, another opportunity to learn more about the men whose presence shocked the country
Library of CongressMore Than One Hundred Years Ago, 5,000 Suffragettes Paraded Down Pennsylvania Avenue
On the eve of Woodrow Wilson's inauguration, suffragists descended upon Washington
Party Like It’s 1881: President Garfield’s Inaugural Ball
Nothing says, "Welcome, Mr. President," like 3,000 gas lights and a big hulking statue
That Time a Chicken Crashed Nixon’s Inaugural Ball and Other Crazy Inaugural Tales
Ten quirky moments from inaugural history, including presidential lassoing
The Unsuccessful Plot to Kill Abraham Lincoln
On the eve of his first inauguration, President Lincoln snuck into Washington at night, evading the would-be assassins who waited for him in Baltimore
After an Inauguration, the Stars Come out to Play
Ever since George Washington danced after his inauguration, the ceremony has brought big names in the arts to the capital city