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98. Conversations on the American Presidency

The White House 1600 Sessions

Release Date: 09/25/2024

108. Road Trip to the Presidents Heads show art 108. Road Trip to the Presidents Heads

The White House 1600 Sessions

There are many fun, wonderful opportunities to learn about White House history all across the country. Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, takes a road trip to the outskirts of Williamsburg, Virginia, to see what has become a social media hotspot: the Presidents Heads. Situated within a recycling facility on private property is a collection of 42 massive, decaying statues featuring the likenesses of U.S. presidents from George Washington through George W. Bush. Each statue is made of concrete and steel, averaging 15 feet in height, and weighing approximately...

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108. Road Trip to the Presidents Heads (Video) show art 108. Road Trip to the Presidents Heads (Video)

The White House 1600 Sessions

There are many fun, wonderful opportunities to learn about White House history all across the country. Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, takes a road trip to the outskirts of Williamsburg, Virginia, to see what has become a social media hotspot: the Presidents Heads. Situated within a recycling facility on private property is a collection of 42 massive, decaying statues featuring the likenesses of U.S. presidents from George Washington through George W. Bush. Each statue is made of concrete and steel, averaging 15 feet in height, and weighing approximately...

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107. The Tradition of First Lady Forever Stamps: Barbara Bush show art 107. The Tradition of First Lady Forever Stamps: Barbara Bush

The White House 1600 Sessions

First Lady Barbara Bush is being honored by the United States Postal Service with a Forever Stamp in what would be the centennial year of her birth. Born in New York on June 8th, 1925, Barbara Pierce would go on to marry George Herbert Walker Bush and become an iconic, unelected public servant in her own right. Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, talks about the life and legacy of Mrs. Bush with three special guests: Pierce Bush, grandson of President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, and the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star; Chas Fagan,...

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107. The Tradition of First Lady Forever Stamps: Barbara Bush (Video) show art 107. The Tradition of First Lady Forever Stamps: Barbara Bush (Video)

The White House 1600 Sessions

First Lady Barbara Bush is being honored by the United States Postal Service with a Forever Stamp in what would be the centennial year of her birth. Born in New York on June 8th, 1925, Barbara Pierce would go on to marry George Herbert Walker Bush and become an iconic, unelected public servant in her own right. Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, talks about the life and legacy of Mrs. Bush with three special guests: Pierce Bush, grandson of President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, and the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star; Chas Fagan,...

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106. The Honey Fitz: A Presidential Yacht show art 106. The Honey Fitz: A Presidential Yacht

The White House 1600 Sessions

Come set sail and join us for a special tour of Honey Fitz, a presidential yacht. For almost a century, from 1880 to 1977, every president had access to a yacht. They were used as tools of diplomacy and hospitality, and quite often, as a means of escape and relaxation. Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, traveled to Jupiter, Florida to see one of these yachts which is now privately owned by businessman Charles Modica. Stewart speaks with Charles as well as Captains Gregory Albritton and Katelyn Kiefer, who oversaw the incredible restoration. First built in...

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105. Remembering President Lincoln: 160th Anniversary show art 105. Remembering President Lincoln: 160th Anniversary

The White House 1600 Sessions

On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln and First Lady Mary Lincoln departed the White House and arrived at Ford’s Theatre to see a production of Our American Cousin. After four long, tumultuous years, the end of the Civil War was in sight. President Lincoln was known for his love of attending live theater, and even though he arrived late that evening, the production came to a halt when the orchestra played “Hail to the Chief” and the audience took to its feet and cheered. Sadly, what was to be an evening of celebration and respite turned into one of the most solemn moments in White...

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104. Painting White House History show art 104. Painting White House History

The White House 1600 Sessions

There's an old saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” By that count, artist Peter Waddell is a masterful storyteller. Beginning in 2004, the White House Historical Association commissioned the artist to create well-researched paintings to represent different periods from White House history that were not drawn, painted, or photographed definitively in their own times. The result is a collection of over a dozen pieces of artwork that capture lesser known moments of presidential life at the White House. Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association,...

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103. The History of State Funerals show art 103. The History of State Funerals

The White House 1600 Sessions

The State Funeral has come to be known as the traditional and ceremonial way to mourn a President of the United States. While throughout the nation’s history not every Commander in Chief has opted for such a tribute, in the modern era, it has become common practice. In fact, discussions about a president’s preferences as to how they will be honored after their death take place almost as soon as they take office.  Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, sat down with two individuals who had a hand in the planning and performance of these national events:...

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102. Inauguration Day Preview show art 102. Inauguration Day Preview

The White House 1600 Sessions

Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, sets the stage for what traditionally takes place on Inauguration Day, and previews the next season of The White House 1600 Sessions.

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101. The People’s House: A White House Experience show art 101. The People’s House: A White House Experience

The White House 1600 Sessions

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy founded the White House Historical Association over 60 years ago, famously saying “The White House belongs to the American people.” The Association’s mission has been clear since day one: preserving, protecting, and providing public access to White House History. That mission continues through The People’s House: A White House Experience at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue - a block away from the White House - in Washington, D.C. In this episode, Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, describes how The People’s House evolved from...

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In his latest book “The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency,” David Rubenstein, renowned financier, philanthropist, and host of PBS’s History with David Rubenstein, takes a fresh look at what it means to hold the office of President of the United States. It is a role that has been shaped and defined by only 45 individuals, and one that contains a great deal of history while also sparking a number of myths. 

Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, talked with Rubenstein at the Association’s new immersive space at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. called “The People’s House: A White House Experience” in front of an audience of the Association’s Next-Gen Leaders. Rubenstein is Co-Founder and Co-Chair of The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm, as well as a patriotic philanthropist who has helped restore and preserve American treasures like the Washington Monument and the Emancipation Proclamation. He is also a generous supporter of the Association’s mission of research and education, including the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History. Having gotten his start as a domestic policy adviser under President Jimmy Carter, Rubenstein was a firsthand witness to what it takes to be a public servant and work in the Oval Office. 

This conversation focuses on the importance of civics, the attributes that make a successful leader, and much more as they delve into Rubenstein’s new book that includes interviews with historians, journalists, and most of the living U.S. presidents.