The 1600 Sessions

From your family to the First Family, the winter holidays are a special time of year. Stewart McLaurin explores the history behind Christmas traditions at the White House, talking to Jennifer Pickens, author of “Christmas at the White House,” former Chief Usher Gary Walters, and former Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier.

From entertainment to diplomacy, music has played an important role in White House history. Stewart McLaurin talks to Colonel Jason Fettig, Director of the “President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, about the organization that has provided the soundtrack for the White House and America for more than 200 years. The Marine Band is featured in The White House Historical Association’s latest publication, Music at the White House.

The White House Historical Association has been preserving and sharing White House history since its founding by First Lady Jaqueline Kennedy in 1961. Stewart McLaurin interviews two people who were there from the beginning - Nash Castro and Leonard Silverstein - and former Chief Usher Gary Walters about the impact of the Association over the past 56 years.

The White House has always shaped the lives of the Presidents and First Families who have lived there, and reflected the mood and times of the country at large. Stewart McLaurin talks to presidential historian Michael Beschloss about some of his favorite stories from White House history, and the important role the Executive Mansion plays, both symbolic and day-to-day for Presidents and the nation.

07 White House Curator

06 Social Secretaries

05 A White House of Stone

04 British Invasion to French Restoration

03 Springtime at the White House

02 Presidential Portraits

01 Moving Day

00 Introduction