In 1963, President John F. Kennedy received a gift of shamrocks from Irish ambassador Thomas J. Kiernan in the Oval Office. Each year the president gets a crystal bowl of shamrock sprouts from Ireland as a symbol of the bond between our two countries. Since 1953 the gift has been delivered by the Irish… Read More
Many people don’t know just inside the East Wing is a movie theater in the White House. A room that at times also acts as a coat closet during large events is a refuge for the first family at times – and also another venue the President and First Lady to entertain guests. Guests including members of… Read More
I continue to receive emails regarding the Old Family Dining Room at the White House and its new look, so here is some more information on this historic room and its recent renovation. In 1825, John Quincy Adams wanted the First Family to have a place to take their meals. Located just off the State Dining Room, the… Read More
This morning on the Today Show Jenna Bush Hager, the daughter of President and Mrs. Bush, who once lived at the White House, interviewed Mrs. Obama to see what she has added to the public tour and how she has “modernized” the White House. The Old Family Dining Room received a makeover with some new 20th century American pieces, making Mrs. Obama the first First Lady to modernize a room at the White House. She told Jenna that it was surprising to her that she was the first to do this: “It’s kind of unbelievable that we haven’t done this before. Because modern art and design is such an important part of the American tradition.”… Read More
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/did-the-first-lady-defy-saudi-arabias-traditional-dress-code/ Anita McBride recently gave great insight to behind-the-scenes preparations that go into planning a trip overseas for a First Lady. During this video interview she also gives great perspective to all the attention given last week to Mrs. Obama’s attire in Saudi Arabia. Anita is the Executive-in-Residence at the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies in… Read More
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