World War II : "The White House at War"

The online adaptation of an exhibit that appeared in the White House Visitor's Center, this audio / visual presentation traces the volatile, resilient and ultimately victorious days at the White House between December 1941 and August 1945.

The War of 1812 : "The Burning of the White House" by Anthony Pitch [PDF]

"Shortly before Mordechai Booth fled the capital on Wednesday, August 24, 1814, he rode over the President's House to see if anyone was still left inside." ... continue reading this selection from our White House History Journal Archives by clicking the title link

For the Classroom: Lessons, Programs & Activities

• In-School Programs / We Visit You, 4-6 : Civil War White House


• Lessons 4-8 : "Making History at the White House," The White House at War


• Lessons 9-12 : Lincoln and the Civil War, "The Great Cause of Freedom"


• Primary Documents : "Saving History / Dolley Madison, the White House and the War of 1812"


• Primary Documents : "Provoked by Pearl Harbor / FDR and Churchill : December, 1941"

The Civil War : Lincoln's Commute

During his presidency, Abraham Lincoln and his family resided seasonally in a cottage on the Soldiers' Home grounds, which offered quiet and relief from the heat of the city center. While living at the Cottage, Lincoln commuted to the White House daily, often passing the first National Cemetery, military hospitals, and a contraband camp along the way. What he witnessed were powerful reminders of the price and the promise of freedom.

This presentation is a collaboration of the Association and President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home.

The Spanish American War : Picturing the President's House

"Signing of the Peace Protocol Between Spain and the United States, August 12, 1898" ... This famous depiction from the White House Collection of the signing ceremony that ended the Spanish American War is one of the hundreds of carefully chosen images that make up our educator / classroom resource: Picturing the President's House.

World War I : White House FAQs

Why did President Woodrow Wilson keep a flock of sheep on the White House lawn? Click the title link to find out why ...

The West Wing : Timeline  |  Online Documentary

For over a century, the West Wing and Oval Office have been the center of leadership during America's war-time efforts and military expeditions. Explore the role of the West Wing in America's twentieth and twenty-first century military efforts through two sources: our West Wing Timeline and "Part 5 : Historic Events" of our documentary tour The West Wing : Workshop of Democracy ... Please select from the title links above.