Portrait artists have captured the images and personalities of our Presidents and First Ladies throughout history, providing a record of their time in office and highlighting their accomplishments and leadership. It wasn’t always tradition to commission a portrait for the president, as it is today. Each one comes with a unique story, from the symbolism in the portrait to the artist who painted it. White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin talks to Former White House Curator Betty Monkman and Art Historian William Kloss to learn more about the history of these portraits, how the White House began to collect them, and the stories they tell.

Americans are familiar with the ceremonies of Inauguration Day, when a new President takes the oath of office at the Capitol. But what happens behind closed doors at the White House when you have just a few frantic hours to prepare for a new First Family? From the private residence and West Wing to the public State Rooms, what changes and what stays the same when a new President enters 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? In our inaugural podcast, White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin talks to Anita McBride, a veteran of three presidential administrations, about the historic traditions and the organized chaos behind this most iconic of Moving Days.

The White House Historical Association presents The 1600 Sessions, a podcast that explores the history, untold stories and personal accounts of America’s most iconic residence and office – The White House.