Fireside Chat
“Fireside Chats” were held for the first time by Franklin Roosevelt in 1933. These radio broadcasts from the White House were his way of communicating his concerns and triumphs to America. He delivered 30 Fireside Chats over eleven years. He started a trend that other presidents followed. For example, President Obama delivered an online weekly address. Older children could see the list of Fireside Chats at: Fireside Chats. Then they can click on each one to see the text.
White House Reconstruction
President Truman and his family moved back into the White House in 1952 after major renovations had been completed. The family had left in late 1948 when the building was deemed to be unsafe. Children can learn more about the White House at: White House.
Herbert Hoover
White House had its first telephone installed in the Oval Office in 1929. Herbert Hoover was President. President Rutherford B. Hayes had the first White House telephone installed on May 10, 1877, but that telephone was located in the telegraph room.
Harry Atwood Taking Off from White House Lawn
Harry Atwood in 1911 landed his plane on the south lawn of the White House! President Taft presented him with a medal for his accomplishment. Later in the day Atwood turned his plane around and took off from the White House grounds.
Ten women’s rights campaigners were arrested in 1917 while picketing outside the White House. The suffragists had started picketing in January. One of the leaders, Alice Paul, began a hunger strike in jail. President Woodrow Wilson was so concerned for his administration that he finally supported Amendment Nineteen to the Constitution so that women had the right to vote. Children could learn more at: Women’s Suffrage.
Hotline during Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidency
Direct telephone communication, nicknamed the Hotline, was completed between the White House and the Kremlin in 1963. Legend called the Hotline a red telephone, but it was neither red nor a telephone. At first a teletype machine was used; then Reagan implemented a fax machine. Presently the Hotline is a secure computer link.
White House
White House Cornerstone was placed into position in 1792. Completed in 1800 and restored several times, the White House contains more than 130 rooms. Children could learn more at: White House.
White House
The White House was ready for occupancy in 1800. Building had started in 1792, and John and Abigail Adams were the first President and First Lady to occupy the building. Children can learn more about the building and grounds at: White House.