The President's Neighborhood Open House
- Date
- 07/16/2016
- Time
- -
- Days
- Saturday
- Cost
- Free
Come explore the history of the President’s Neighborhood at our Summer Open House! Learn about the incredible people and buildings that have been neighbors to the White House for the past two centuries. Take a stroll through our special exhibition about the history and preservation of Lafayette Square, and explore neighborhood-themed crafts in the Carriage House with our partners from the Washington Architectural Foundation, St. John’s Church, and the National Park Service. Get out and about in the neighborhood with guided tours of St. John’s and Lafayette Square. Historic Decatur House will also be open for self-guided tours, with live music and a costumed photo opportunity on the second floor. The White House History shop will be open for special Saturday hours during the event, so be sure to pick up something for the history buff in your life!
2016 President's Neighborhood Schedule of Events and Activites
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Carriage House
Create a Spyglass like the one used by Naval Hero Stephen Decatur and add to our Neighborhood by making your own Paper Bag Building.
Visit the Washington Architectural Foundation table and take part in creating a Paper Mosaic of the President’s Neighborhood.
Learn about the history of St. John’s Church by making a Stained Glass Craft.
11:30 a.m. Join Senior Executive Chef James Sinopoli of Blair House as he prepares hors d’oeuvres and a summer float. Samples will be available while supplies last!
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Decatur House
Tour Decatur House and use the information cards found throughout the house to learn more about its nearly 200-year-old history.
First Floor
Check out our special exhibit in the first floor parlors, The President’s Neighborhood.
Second Floor
10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., & 1:30 p.m. Enjoy performances by pianist Thomas Davies.
Imagine you lived in Lafayette Square in the past and dress up in one of our period costumes. Don’t forget to have your picture taken!
Neighborhood Tours
Get out and explore the President’s Neighborhood with these special guided tours. Tours will meet in the Carriage House.
- 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Walk to St. John’s Church for a brief history and tour of the sanctuary.
- 2:00 p.m. Join Park Ranger Dennis Hubscher on a narrated tour of Lafayette Square.
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Gift Shop
Visit the White House History Shop and find the perfect gift for the history buff in your life.
Additional Information
Nearby parking garages: 801 17th
Street NW (Entrance located at 1665 H Street NW); 1050 Connecticut
Avenue NW (Entrance located on 18th Street between K and L Streets)
Nearest Metro stops: Farragut West and McPherson Square on the Blue/Orange/Silver Line, and Farragut North on the Red Line
