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The White House is known as an office for the president and the home of the first family, but it can also be considered a museum. The Executive Mansion contains a large fine arts collection that includes some of the best American paintings and sculptures. The desire to collect fine arts for the White House developed over 200 years, and White
Presidents make important political decisions at the White House, but they also celebrate holidays, just like many everyday citizens. However, the way presidents and first families celebrate various holidays can differ slightly from the average American. Easter involves a large-scale public event with hundreds of people rolling eggs on the South Lawn, and at Christmas time the public is invited
From the earliest days of the White House, a variety of animals have been kept as pets. Most of these animals were not different from those generally found in American households, although a few White House families have kept unusual pets. White House pets have provided companionship to presidents and their families, and they also sometimes have played important roles
The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States, as well as their families. Children of presidents are often referred to as "first kids." These children have the opportunity to live in the White House, travel the world, and meet famous people. First kids are challenged by growing up in the public eye and are
An inauguration is the act or ceremony of bringing someone into a position or an office. Every president of the United States has been inaugurated, dating back to the first executive, George Washington. These inaugurations symbolize a peaceful transition of power between administrations. Although the Constitution provides an oath for the new president to take, all other elements of the
The construction of the White House prompted the growth of the surrounding area into a vibrant neighborhood for the president. Today, Lafayette Square sits to the north side of the White House and serves as a public park. Visitors come to catch a glimpse of the Executive Mansion through the gates and, amidst this green space, encounter statues commemorating America's
The President's Park currently consists of approximately eighteen acres surrounding the White House and is used by the president, the first family, and—on special occasions—the public. These grounds are reputedly the oldest continually maintained ornamental landscape in the United States. Various changes have been made to the White House Grounds since the completion of the building in 1800, including the
The White House serves multiple functions, including providing an office for the President of the United States. For more than a century, the president's office has been located in the Oval Office of the West Wing, but this was not always the case. Whether the president is addressing the nation, signing legislation, discussing issues with cabinet members, or meeting with
The Constitution provides guidance for the responsibilities of the president, but what about the first lady? No founding document exists that explains the duties of the first lady. Instead, generations of women have shaped how the modern Office of the First Lady formed, and the roles of the president's spouse. Learn the usage of the title First Lady and explore