The People’s House: A New Glimpse into American History
By • October 10, 2024 2 1102
By Lucy Cullen
On Monday, Sept. 23, The White House Historical Association opened “The People’s House: A White House Experience,” at 1700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. This interactive exhibit allows visitors—whether they are history buffs, D.C. tourists, or residents—to learn more about the history of the White House. “The People’s House” provides a unique opportunity to understand the most iconic home in our country’s history.
Upon first entering, guests are greeted with a scaled-down replica of the White House’s south facade and an introductory video narrating an overview of the White House’s history, from its creation to the burning of Washington in 1814, ending with its most recent families. In the next room over, guests are greeted with a display of the famous Rose Garden before entering the Oval Office.
The Oval Office replica is the most exciting part of the exhibit, as guests can take a seat behind the Resolute Desk and pretend to be the President of the United States for a moment. The full-scale replica is decorated with reproductions of the art, objects and furniture that decorate the president’s office. The Oval Office is perfectly reproduced down to the smallest details. One would never guess that they were not standing in the actual White House.
The rest of the exhibit takes guests through iconic moments in history. A 360° immersive theater shows glimpses into the individual rooms on the state floor and the stories that go along with them including iconic portraits, unique furniture and historical events that have taken place there. The People’s Voices Gallery allows guests to interact with digital portraits of White House staff, past and present, who maintain the landscaping, keep the house in order, or serve as security for the president. In the interactive Cabinet Room, guests can sit in on a meeting and participate in historic conversations, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs.
It’s not all business, though. The People’s House reveals that even in this historical, governmental office building there are families who have grown up within its walls, had birthday parties there and celebrated holidays. This new exhibit unlocks a deeper level of history for visitors, providing insight into the White House’s history that has rarely, if ever, been seen before by the public. The People’s House reveals what has truly made the White House the iconic landmark of American history that it is.
The People’s House will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. For entry, visitors can reserve free timed entry passes at thepeopleshouse.org.
This is a very interesting article
It would be nice to know more about the White House.