Raritan NJ
9-23-2025 1:51pm

The People's House Miscellany: A Treasury of White House History, Fun Facts, and Things to Know

September 23, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – The White House Historical Association will release The People's House Miscellany: A Treasury of White House History, Fun Facts, and Things to Know by Stewart D. McLaurin on Tuesday, September 23. The trivia book explores hundreds of topics including the building and naming of the White House, facts about each room, a renovation timeline, first family weddings, State Dinners, china services, holiday traditions, gardens and grounds, presidential portraits, unusual pets, ghosts, favorite sports, and more. The book makes a great gift for those with an interest in learning more about White House history.

"Like the miscellany books first created in the Renaissance to entertain, the book is filled with fun facts and some surprises. There is no shortage of firsts, lasts, onlys, always, mosts, and nevers in White House history," said author Stewart D. McLaurin.

The 96-page book includes a timeline evolution of the White House, letters from first occupants John and Abigail Adams, and the answers to hundreds of questions including:

  • Which president enjoyed jiujitsu in the East Room?
  • How many windows, doors, kitchens, elevators, and restrooms are in the White House?
  • Which first lady was approached by a rat in the swimming pool?
  • Who wore a dress made from red velvet White House curtains?
  • Who was the only president to be ordained?
  • Which first lady was the first to graduate from college?
  • Purchase the book at shop.whitehousehistory.org.
  • Printed in the USA. $18.

The release date of The People's House Miscellany: A Treasury of White House History, Fun Facts, and Things to Know on September 23, coincides with the one-year anniversary of the opening of the White House Historical Association’s The People’s House: A White House Experience, located at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue. The cutting-edge educational museum experience tells the story of the Executive Mansion, its inhabitants and the people who have dedicated their careers to its functions. Exhibits are on permanent display year-round.

About the author: Stewart McLaurin serves as president of the White House Historical Association. The Association was founded in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to share and preserve the rich history of the White House. In his eleven years as president, Stewart has expanded the Association’s cultural and educational programming through award-winning books, popular video series, and virtual and in-person events to ensure White House history is preserved for future generations.

About The White House Historical Association

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given 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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