07 White House Curator

09/13/17 • 44 min

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Who takes care of the thousands of historic artifacts in the White House, cataloguing and preserving everything from presidential portraits to presidential china? And how does that person balance the needs of a building that is both a museum and symbol of American democracy, as well as an office and a family home? Stewart D. McLaurin interviews former White House Curator William Allman about his forty-year career caring for a house full of American treasures through eight presidential administrations.

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06 Social Secretaries

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How do you plan for a State Dinner with hundreds of guests, a private meal with a King and Queen or an historic peace treaty signing? What does it take to host several public events each day, as well as private events for the President, First Lady and their family? Stewart D. McLaurin interviews former White House Social Secretaries Ann Stock and Amy Zantzinger for a behind-the-scenes look at planning events in the Executive Mansion.

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08 A Conversation With Michael Beschloss

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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.