American History Buffs: A Virtual Program about Mourning Traditions at the White House for the Eight Presidents Who Died in Office

The White House Historical Association will present History Happy Hour, “Mourning Dress and Drapery at the White House,” a virtual conversation exploring the Association’s recently launched digital exhibit, Black Cloth: Mourning Dress and Drapery at the White House. The online exhibit, launched last month in partnership with New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, was created by NYU student Rachel Bellis and the Association’s Digital Library team.

Program guest Rachel Bellis will discuss the exhibit which traces the draping of the White House façade and its interiors with black fabric for the eight presidents who died in office, as well as the black mourning gowns and accessories worn by their spouses.

Bellis will discuss her research process for the exhibit and share some of her most interesting discoveries about mourning rituals at the White House during the nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries.

WHEN: Thursday, October 24, 6:00 PM EST

WHERE: This event will be a virtual event via Zoom. RSVP here.

History Happy Hour is a biweekly virtual program hosted by the White House Historical Association. Join as experts weigh in on a variety of historical topics, share their insights, answer audience questions, and enjoy presidential-inspired libations.

About The White Historical Association

The White House Historical Association was founded in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to support her vision to restore and preserve the Executive Mansion and its legacy for generations to come. Mrs. Kennedy sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that has contributed more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission. To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.

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