History Happy Hour: Black Cloth: Mourning Dress and Drapery at the White House

How did the White House mourn when a president passed away in office? In September 2024, the White House Historical Association launched the digital exhibit Black Cloth: Mourning Dress and Drapery at the White House. This new exhibit explores the draping of the White House façade and its interiors with black fabric for the eight presidents who died in office, as well as the black mourning gowns and accessories worn by their spouses. By examining the role of black cloth at the White House, the exhibit tracks displays of grief through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and gives readers a look at how presidential mourning traditions changed over time.

Hosting this session is Dr. Matthew Costello, Chief Education Officer and Director of the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History. Joining Dr. Costello is Rachel Bellis, who worked closely with the Association’s Digital Library team to develop the new White House Historical Association digital exhibit. Bellis will discuss her research process for the exhibit, and share some of her most interesting discoveries about mourning rituals at the White House during the nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries.

Come join us for History Happy Hour on Thursday October 24, at 6:00 p.m. ET, to learn more about the important role of black cloth during historic moments of grief at the White House.