Tuesday: Learn All About the White House China in Live-streamed Event
Plus, tickets are available for the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s talk with former Laura Bush staffers sharing memories of White House holiday traditions.
The White House Historical Association will present “White House History Live: Official White House China,” a live-streamed event on the White House Historical Association’s Facebook and YouTube pages starting at 5:30 pm ET on November 18.
Former curator of the White House William G. Allman will discuss his book, Official White House China: From the 18th to the 21 Centuries. In addition to highlighting the history of presidential china and historic china within the White House Collection, Allman will detail the evolution of State Dinners and State Services, and how these pieces serve as a touchstone of the American presidency and a key part of cultural diplomacy. Read more
Calendar
Nov. 18, 2025
Deck the Halls: Holiday Traditions at the White House
The George W. Bush Presidential Center presents an exclusive behind-the-scenes look in “Deck the Halls: Holiday Traditions at the White House” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. local time from those who helped bring them to life. Join Dori Thornton Waller, former White House Deputy Social Secretary, Sara Armstrong, former Deputy Chief of Staff to Mrs. Laura Bush, and Susan Whitson, former Press Secretary to Mrs. Laura Bush as they share memorable stories from their time at the White House during the holidays. The conversation will be moderated by Kristin King, chief operating officer of the George W. Bush Institute. Read more
Nov. 20, 2025
The People’s House Sneak Peak “Home, History, Holidays: Celebrating White House Traditions”
Join the People’s House for an exclusive, after-hours sneak peek of the new seasonal content throughout our exhibits celebrating festive White House stories and traditions. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase, with the option to add an individual charcuterie box to your ticket. Read more
Nov. 20, 2025
Third Thursday: A Widow’s Work—Jacqueline Kennedy and the JFK Legacy
In the aftermath of an unthinkable national tragedy, Jacqueline Kennedy guided a grieving nation through mourning—while shaping one of the most powerful presidential legacies in American history. Join the National First Ladies Library for an in-person, Third Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. EST on Nov. 20, 2025, as Dr. Karen Dunak, author of Our Jackie: Public Claims on a Private Life, presents an intimate exploration of Jackie Kennedy’s efforts to memorialize President John F. Kennedy. From funeral arrangements and his burial at Arlington Cemetery to her iconic Life magazine interview, Mrs. Kennedy’s intentional use of ceremony, symbolism, and media redefined how Americans remember the man – and the moment. Read more
Nov. 24, 2025
First Ladies on the Page Book Club: Upstairs at the White House
For nearly three decades, J.B. West served as the White House’s chief usher, orchestrating the daily life of America’s executive mansion with precision and discretion. His memoir Upstairs at the White House offers an unparalleled insider’s view of life with six presidents and their first ladies.
Join the National First Ladies Library & Museum at 7 p.m. on Nov. 24, 2025, as they explore this bestselling classic, filled with vivid stories—from Eleanor Roosevelt’s political strategies, to Jackie Kennedy’s grief and grace, to Pat Nixon’s quiet struggles—all told through the eyes of the man who managed it all behind the scenes. This free virtual book club session invites discussion, storytelling, and Q&A with National First Ladies Library & Museum staff. Reserve your spot. Read more
Dec. 5, 2025
White House Historical Association Holiday Book Festival
The White House Historical Association will hold its annual holiday book festival on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, from 9:30 am to 3:30 p.m. local time. Free and open to the public, the event will feature book signings with authors at the White House Historical Association Carriage House, 1610 H Street N.W., in Washington, D.C.
Artist Peter Waddell will discuss his monumental painting The Indispensable Plan, which depicts the City of Washington as Pierre Charles L’Enfant laid it out in his 1791 plan. Of special interest is Waddell’s vision of how the White House would have looked had it been built at five times its actual size as designed by L’Enfant. The painting is featured in White House History Quarterly #79 “The White House That Wasn’t.”
Author signings include:
Former White House Chief Usher Gary J. Walters – White House Memories, 1970–2007: Recollections of the Longest Serving Chief Usher.
Bill Barker – Becoming Jefferson.
John Hutton – How to Draw the Presidents and First Ladies
John Wrory Ficklin – An Unusual Path: Three Generations from Slavery to the White House.
Pastry Chef Mark Ramsdell —The White House in Gingerbread: Memories & Recipes and Creating the Sweet World of White House Desserts.
Adrian Miller – Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History: Cooking to the President’s Taste and The President’s Kitchen Cabinet, Soul Food, and Black Smoke.
William Allman – Official White House China.
Former White House Curators William Allman, Lydia Tederick, and Melissa Naulin – Furnishing the White House.
Anita McBride and Gigi McBride – First Ladies Make History.
Diana Carlin, Anita McBride, Nancy Kegan Smith – Remember the First Ladies.
Mary Jo Binker – If You Ask Me: Essential Advice from Eleanor Roosevelt and a collection of her articles featured in White House History Quarterly.
Stewart McLaurin – The People’s House Miscellany: A Treasury of White House History, Fun Facts, and Things to Know.
Christi Harlan – Mr. President, The Class is Yours: Jimmy Carter’s Sunday School Lessons in Washington, D.C. and Normal Lives.
Melinda Dart – A Glimpse of Greatness: The Memoir of Irineo Esperancilla.
Bruce M. White – At Home in the President’s Neighborhood: A Photographic Tour.
Christina Ewald – White House History Quarterly #77 “The White House and World War II.”
Jonathan Pliska – A Garden for the President, Kid’s Play and President’s Play.
Rocco Smirne – Rocco Keeps the Beat!
Christy Bowe – History in the Making: A Focus on Five U.S. Presidents.
Heath Hardage Lee — The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: The Life and Times of Washington’s Most Private First Lady.
Special tables featuring the published work of late White House Curator Betty C. Monkman and the late historian William Seale.
Dec. 12, 2025
Legacy Lecture: From Grief to Grace
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents a virtual discussion about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who is often remembered as first lady and a symbol of national grief. But her life after the White House reveals a remarkable story of resilience, reinvention, and influence. Join historian Karen Dunak for this insightful Legacy Lecture that explores Mrs. Onassis’ later years as a twice-widowed woman who forged a successful career in publishing and became a passionate advocate for historic preservation and cultural heritage. This program is entirely virtual. All attendees will receive a recording of the event within 48 hours of the event. Read more