While presidential portraits are the most notable pieces in the White House Collection of fine and decorative arts, there are more than 65,000 works in the museum-accredited collection. This grew over time with items such as paintings, photographs, sculptures, and furniture, having either been commissioned, donated, or acquired for use at the White House. The role of the White House Curator was established during the Kennedy presidency and the White House Historical Association has worked closely with them for decades to preserve and create a collection of mostly American-made art with historical and cultural significance.

The Royal Collection Trust is charged with a similar mission, overseeing more than a million objects including paintings, jewelry, textiles, and more, that have been collected by British Royalty for hundreds of years. Stewart McLaurin, president of the Association, traveled to Windsor Castle to speak with Tim Knox, director of the Royal Collection. Located about 25 miles outside of London, England, Windsor Castle has been home to 40 monarchs since it was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Only five sitting U.S. presidents have been welcomed to Windsor Castle.

To mark America's semiquincentennial, Stewart and Tim sat in the White Drawing Room to discuss several American-born artists favored by King George III in the late 18th century around the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. These include the painters Benjamin West, John Singleton Copley, and John Taylor, who were all born in the colonies and later moved to England to pursue their careers. Watch to learn more about the works of these artists including rare landscapes, and famous portraits of King George, Queen Charlotte, and their children. Stewart and Tim also walked to St. George's Hall, the site of several state banquets at Windsor Castle for U.S. presidents, to get a closer look at a portrait by Gainsborough Dupont, a British-born artist with works in both the Royal Collection and the White House Collection.

While presidential portraits are the most notable pieces in the White House Collection of fine and decorative arts, there are more than 65,000 works in the museum-accredited collection. This grew over time with items such as paintings, photographs, sculptures, and furniture, having either been commissioned, donated, or acquired for use at the White House. The role of the White House Curator was established during the Kennedy presidency and the White House Historical Association has worked closely with them for decades to preserve and create a collection of mostly American-made art with historical and cultural significance.

The Royal Collection Trust is charged with a similar mission, overseeing more than a million objects including paintings, jewelry, textiles, and more, that have been collected by British Royalty for hundreds of years. Stewart McLaurin, president of the Association, traveled to Windsor Castle to speak with Tim Knox, director of the Royal Collection. Located about 25 miles outside of London, England, Windsor Castle has been home to 40 monarchs since it was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Only five sitting U.S. presidents have been welcomed to Windsor Castle.

To mark America's semiquincentennial, Stewart and Tim sat in the White Drawing Room to discuss several American-born artists favored by King George III in the late 18th century around the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. These include the painters Benjamin West, John Singleton Copley, and John Taylor, who were all born in the colonies and later moved to England to pursue their careers. Watch to learn more about the works of these artists including rare landscapes, and famous portraits of King George, Queen Charlotte, and their children. Stewart and Tim also walked to St. George's Hall, the site of several state banquets at Windsor Castle for U.S. presidents, to get a closer look at a portrait by Gainsborough Dupont, a British-born artist with works in both the Royal Collection and the White House Collection.

With just 100 days until July 4, 2026, the United States is approaching a historic milestone: the American Semiquincentennial. In this episode of The White House 1600 Sessions, White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin reflects on the significance of the nation's 250th anniversary and the work of the White House Historical Association to preserve, protect, and share the history of the People's House. Stewart traces the origins of the Executive Mansion, beginning in 1792 when President George Washington selected Irish-born architect James Hoban to design what was then called the President's House. Over the centuries, presidents have shaped both the building and the legacy of the White House, leaving their mark on a place that has stood at the center of American history for more than two hundred years. As the countdown to the Semiquincentennial continues, the episode also highlights how the Association is expanding access to White House history—from immersive experiences at The People's House: A White House Experience to new exhibitions, publications, and educational initiatives that connect Americans with the enduring story of the White House.

With just 100 days until July 4, 2026, the United States is approaching a historic milestone: the American Semiquincentennial. In this episode of The White House 1600 Sessions, White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin reflects on the significance of the nation's 250th anniversary and the work of the White House Historical Association to preserve, protect, and share the history of the People's House. Stewart traces the origins of the Executive Mansion, beginning in 1792 when President George Washington selected Irish-born architect James Hoban to design what was then called the President's House. Over the centuries, presidents have shaped both the building and the legacy of the White House, leaving their mark on a place that has stood at the center of American history for more than two hundred years. As the countdown to the Semiquincentennial continues, the episode also highlights how the Association is expanding access to White House history—from immersive experiences at The People's House: A White House Experience to new exhibitions, publications, and educational initiatives that connect Americans with the enduring story of the White House.

U.S. Presidents are transported in some of the safest, most technologically advanced vehicles in the world. White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin visited the United States Secret Service James J. Rowley Training Center in Laurel, Maryland to get a very special look at "The Beast," the affectionate nickname given by the press when the first generation of General Motors' custom-built Cadillac presidential limousines debuted in 2001. The presidential limousine has come a long way since 1909 when Congress appropriated funds for President William Howard Taft to purchase the first two White House motor cars. Stewart sits down with John Bush, the Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division for the United States Secret Service, who recently retired after 24 years of service. John was part of the transportation detail that drove President Obama, and was in the front seat of the limo carrying Presidents Biden and Trump on Inauguration Day 2025. The interview was recorded in the Robert Diehl Historic Garage in front of several generations of presidential vehicles including limousines used by Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, as well as other escort vehicles used in presidential motorcades. Stewart takes a tour with John and Robert Diehl, himself, who served for more than 50 years before retiring from the U.S. Secret Service. Learn about the time President Reagan was rushed off the course at Augusta National Golf Club, and take a look inside "The Beast" when Stewart gets the chance to take a seat in a retired presidential limo.

U.S. Presidents are transported in some of the safest, most technologically advanced vehicles in the world. White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin visited the United States Secret Service James J. Rowley Training Center in Laurel, Maryland to get a very special look at "The Beast," the affectionate nickname given by the press when the first generation of General Motors' custom-built Cadillac presidential limousines debuted in 2001. The presidential limousine has come a long way since 1909 when Congress appropriated funds for President William Howard Taft to purchase the first two White House motor cars. Stewart sits down with John Bush, the Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division for the United States Secret Service, who recently retired after 24 years of service. John was part of the transportation detail that drove President Obama, and was in the front seat of the limo carrying Presidents Biden and Trump on Inauguration Day 2025. The interview was recorded in the Robert Diehl Historic Garage in front of several generations of presidential vehicles including limousines used by Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, as well as other escort vehicles used in presidential motorcades. Stewart takes a tour with John and Robert Diehl, himself, who served for more than 50 years before retiring from the U.S. Secret Service. Learn about the time President Reagan was rushed off the course at Augusta National Golf Club, and take a look inside "The Beast" when Stewart gets the chance to take a seat in a retired presidential limo.

For over forty years, the White House Historical Association has partnered with Beacon Design, a division of the ChemArt Company, to create the Official White House Christmas Ornament. The program was started in 1981 during the first term of the Reagan presidency when First Lady Nancy Reagan threw her support behind the idea. A new design has debuted annually with each ornament honoring a president's time in the White House, an anniversary, or historical event. Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association visited ChemArt to get a first-hand look at how the ornaments are meticulously designed and hand-assembled. The veteran and family-founded company based in Lincoln, Rhode Island makes each ornament with precision and care. Stewart toured the facility with Hamilton Davison, CEO of Beacon Design, and Dave Marquis, former president of ChemArt, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how these treasured family heirlooms are created. They also discussed the recently unveiled Official Commemorative Ornament of America's 250th Anniversary, which serves as the Official 2026 White House Christmas Ornament. It features the Declaration of Independence framed in 24-karat gold and is officially licensed with America250, a nonpartisan movement dedicated to inspiring civic participation and education in the nation.

The Official Commemorative Ornament of America's 250th Anniversary is available for sale at shop.whitehousehistory.org. All proceeds from the sale of these Ornaments go directly to funding the Association's nonprofit, nonpartisan educational mission to share White House history.

For over forty years, the White House Historical Association has partnered with Beacon Design, a division of the ChemArt Company, to create the Official White House Christmas Ornament. The program was started in 1981 during the first term of the Reagan presidency when First Lady Nancy Reagan threw her support behind the idea. A new design has debuted annually with each ornament honoring a president's time in the White House, an anniversary, or historical event. Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association visited ChemArt to get a first-hand look at how the ornaments are meticulously designed and hand-assembled. The veteran and family-founded company based in Lincoln, Rhode Island makes each ornament with precision and care. Stewart toured the facility with Hamilton Davison, CEO of Beacon Design, and Dave Marquis, former president of ChemArt, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how these treasured family heirlooms are created. They also discussed the recently unveiled Official Commemorative Ornament of America's 250th Anniversary, which serves as the Official 2026 White House Christmas Ornament. It features the Declaration of Independence framed in 24-karat gold and is officially licensed with America250, a nonpartisan movement dedicated to inspiring civic participation and education in the nation.

The Official Commemorative Ornament of America's 250th Anniversary is available for sale at shop.whitehousehistory.org. All proceeds from the sale of these Ornaments go directly to funding the Association's nonprofit, nonpartisan educational mission to share White House history.

There are few places outside of the White House that are as deeply connected to the American Presidency as the Waldorf Astoria New York. For almost a century, this luxury hotel has welcomed every U.S. President since Herbert Hoover through its elegant Art Deco doors on Park Avenue. After leaving office, President Hoover even lived in the Waldorf Astoria Residence for more than three decades before his passing at the age of 90. White House Historical Association president Stewart McLaurin was joined in the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria Residences New York by guests David Freeland, author of American Hotel: The Waldorf-Astoria and the Making of a Century and Jasmin Howanietz, the Executive Director of Sales at the Waldorf Astoria. The hotel and residence underwent an almost eight year renovation, reopening in 2025. The White House Historical Association is thrilled to be a partner in the creation of the Presidential Library and Bar at the Waldorf Astoria Residences New York, a private amenity for the residents that features a curated collection of books and artifacts that bring presidential history to life. Take a peek inside and learn about the rich history of diplomacy that has taken place inside the rooms of the Waldorf Astoria during sessions of the United Nations General Assembly, see a few of the items gifted by U.S. presidents after their stay in the Presidential Suite - including a rocking chair from President John F. Kennedy - and find out why President Richard Nixon loved the Waldorf Astoria so much that he booked the ballroom for his 1968 Election Night party.

There are few places outside of the White House that are as deeply connected to the American Presidency as the Waldorf Astoria New York. For almost a century, this luxury hotel has welcomed every U.S. President since Herbert Hoover through its elegant Art Deco doors on Park Avenue. After leaving office, President Hoover even lived in the Waldorf Astoria Residence for more than three decades before his passing at the age of 90. White House Historical Association president Stewart McLaurin was joined in the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria Residences New York by guests David Freeland, author of American Hotel: The Waldorf-Astoria and the Making of a Century and Jasmin Howanietz, the Executive Director of Sales at the Waldorf Astoria. The hotel and residence underwent an almost eight year renovation, reopening in 2025. The White House Historical Association is thrilled to be a partner in the creation of the Presidential Library and Bar at the Waldorf Astoria Residences New York, a private amenity for the residents that features a curated collection of books and artifacts that bring presidential history to life. Take a peek inside and learn about the rich history of diplomacy that has taken place inside the rooms of the Waldorf Astoria during sessions of the United Nations General Assembly, see a few of the items gifted by U.S. presidents after their stay in the Presidential Suite - including a rocking chair from President John F. Kennedy - and find out why President Richard Nixon loved the Waldorf Astoria so much that he booked the ballroom for his 1968 Election Night party.