White House Historical Association Honors Designer and Builder of the White House

March 22, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) - The White House Historical Association placed a wreath at the gravesite of James Hoban, an Irish immigrant and the designer and builder of the White House, on Thursday, March 21 at 11:00 AM at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Washington, D.C. In 2021, the Association restored the gravesite of Hoban and has held an annual wreath placement ceremony every year since.

Thursday’s ceremony included remarks from:

 Stewart McLaurin, President of The White House Historical Association

Her Excellency Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States

Most Reverand Roy E. Campbell Jr., Auxiliary Bishop of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington

Monsignor Séamus Horgan, Apostolic Nunciature to the United States of America

Vice State Regent Yvonne Liser, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution

Donald Connolly, State President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians

Eric B. Kuchner, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia

Oscar Viera, Master of Federal Lodge No. 1 of Free and Accepted Masons

Reverand Patrick S. Lewis, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church

In 1792, James Hoban’s design for the President’s House was selected by the Commissioners for the District of Columbia with the approval of President George Washington. Hoban's contributions to the early growth and development of Washington, D.C., as architect, builder, mason, captain of a militia company, civic leader, and pillar of the Roman Catholic community, maintain his memory and reputation to this day.

This event was made possible thanks to the generosity of Tim and Anita McBride.

Learn more about James Hoban and the history of between Ireland and the United States in a new episode of the Association’s The White House 1600 Sessions podcast which features a conversation about the relationship between the two countries beyond the month of March and St. Patrick’s Day. In this episode, Stewart McLaurin, president of the Association, sits down with Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, to discuss the depth of America’s Irish roots, and the diplomacy and investment driving a longstanding friendship built on a spirit of independence.

More News from Raritan

• Death Investigation at Raritan Public Library of a Somerville Woman The investigation - April 20th, 2024 a Somerville woman with self-inflicted wounds to her arms.
• Acapulco Mexican Restaurant & Bar - Taste of the Day Authentic Mexican Flavors and a DJ for the Weekend Right in Town