Jill Biden Unveils a Reimagined White House Tour, Which Invites Visitors to ‘Touch, Hear and See’ History
The public tours of the historic residence hadn’t been overhauled in decades. For two years, the first lady’s office has been working to make them more interactive and educational
What the American Revolution Taught the United States’ First Presidents
A new book by historian William E. Leuchtenburg examines how the first six commanders in chief embodied the revolutionary spirit and set precedents that shaped their successors’ tenures
The Smithsonian Acquires the Earliest Known Photograph of an American First Lady
The National Portrait Gallery purchased an 1846 daguerreotype of Dolley Madison for $456,000
From the Governor’s Mansion to the White House and Beyond, Rosalynn Carter Was a Tireless Advocate for the Vulnerable
Smithsonian experts reflect on the life and legacy of the former first lady, who died Sunday at age 96
Why the National Zoo Is Saying Goodbye to Its Giant Pandas
Staff remain hopeful that members of the threatened species will be back in Washington in the near future
Why President Warren G. Harding’s Sudden Death Sparked Rumors of Murder and Suicide
The commander in chief’s unexpected death in office 100 years ago fueled decades of conspiracy theories but was most likely the result of a heart attack
Untold Stories of American History
Did Martha Washington Have a Black Grandson?
Likely the child of Martha’s son from her first marriage, William Costin used his position to advocate for D.C.’s free Black community
How Edith Wilson Kept Herself—and Her Husband—in the White House
A new book about the first lady reveals how she and the ailing President Woodrow Wilson silenced their critics
Jill Biden’s Inaugural Attire Is on View at the Smithsonian
The day and evening ensembles are now the centerpiece of the American History Museum’s popular “First Ladies” exhibition
A Brief History of White House Weddings
Naomi Biden’s nuptials will mark the 19th wedding held at the presidential seat of power
From a White House Wedding to a Pet Snake, Alice Roosevelt’s Escapades Captivated America
Theodore Roosevelt’s eldest daughter won the public’s adoration with her rebellious antics
Who Are the Artists Behind the New Obama Portraits?
Robert McCurdy and Sharon Sprung add their unique pieces to the White House’s collection
The True History Behind Showtime’s ‘The First Lady’
The new series dramatizes the White House years of Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford and Michelle Obama
Why Historians Should Reevaluate Mary Todd Lincoln’s Oft-Misunderstood Grief
A new exhibition at President Lincoln’s Cottage connects the first lady’s experiences to those of modern bereaved parents
Secretary Lonnie Bunch on What Makes for a Great Museum Exhibition
A well-curated show makes the unknown feel familiar—and reveals the unexpected
Trove of Presidential Memorabilia, From Washington’s Hair to JFK’s Sweater, Is Up for Sale
RR Auction is offering a collection of nearly 300 artifacts, including a signed photo of Abraham Lincoln and a pen used by FDR
Why Martha Washington’s Life Is So Elusive to Historians
A gown worn by the first First Lady reveals a dimension of her nature that few have been aware of
Meet Amanda Gorman, the U.S.’ Youngest Inaugural Poet
The 22-year-old revised her original composition, “The Hill We Climb,” in the aftermath of the January 6 storming of the Capitol
The Top Ten Online Exhibitions of 2020
From a Smithsonian show on first ladies to Mexican muralists, Rembrandt and the making of the Met, these were some of our favorite virtual experiences
How History Records the Peculiar Role of America’s First Ladies
A new exhibition, “Every Eye is Upon Me,” pays tribute to the ever-changing role of the women who hold this unelected office
Page 1 of 4