The People's House Miscellany: A Glimpse into White House History
This fall, the White House Historical Association introduces a delightful new book titled
The People's House Miscellany: A Treasury of White House History, Fun Facts, and Things to Know. Scheduled for release on September 23, 2025, this engaging work is penned by Stewart D. McLaurin, the Association's current president.
The book serves as a whimsical tapestry woven from a myriad of intriguing facts and stories about the iconic building that has been the backdrop for countless historical moments. Readers can expect captivating insights into the very fabric of the White House, covering an array of topics that range from architectural details to personal anecdotes of its most illustrious residents.
What’s Inside?
Covering 96 pages,
The People's House Miscellany invites readers on a journey through the annals of the White House. The contents include:
- - History of the White House's Construction and Naming: Learn about the various architectural phases the building has undergone since its inception.
- - Room-by-Room Insights: Discover unique details about notable rooms, and hear the stories that bring them to life.
- - Renovation Timeline: Explore how the White House has evolved over the years, including major renovations that shaped its modern persona.
- - Presidential Portraits and State Dinners: Delve into the displays of leadership at the White House and how these formal occasions reflect history.
- - Ghost Stories and Unusual Pets: For those seeking a touch of the supernatural or the quirky, the book contains tales of odd happenings and spirited visitors.
- - Presidential Trivia: Engage with fun facts such as which president practiced jiu-jitsu in the East Room, or which first lady encountered a rat in the swimming pool.
As highlighted by McLaurin, just like the miscellaineous texts of the Renaissance, this book is designed to entertain and inform, filled with trivia that spans the entire timeline of the White House.
A Perfect Gift
Due to its varied topics and engaging writing style,
The People's House Miscellany makes for a wonderful gift for history buffs, trivia lovers, and those simply curious about American culture and heritage. It provides refreshing insights into the lives of the first families and the various traditions they established.
Availability and Pricing
The book can be purchased for $18 at
shop.whitehousehistory.org, printed in the USA. Its release coincides with the one-year anniversary of “The People's House: A White House Experience,” a cutting-edge museum experience located at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, which delves into the intriguing history of the Executive Mansion.
About the Author
Stewart D. McLaurin, who has served as president of the White House Historical Association since 2011, has championed various cultural and educational initiatives to ensure that White House history continues to captivate future generations. His leadership has resulted in numerous award-winning publications and events that excite a wide audience about the importance of preserving historical narratives.
About the White House Historical Association
Founded in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, the White House Historical Association endeavors to conserve the legacy of the Executive Mansion. Through a commitment solely reliant on private funding, the organization has contributed over $115 million towards preserving this sanctuary of American history. To learn more about the organization and its mission, visit
WhiteHouseHistory.org.
This new release promises to be an enriching addition to any reader's bookshelf, one that bridges the past with the present and highlights the enduring significance of the White House in American society.