Behind the Scenes at the White House

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The nation and the rest of the world view the White House as the seat of democracy and as a unique museum of American history. Yet the White House must also function as a home for the First Family and as an office for the President. When the public tours end each day, the entire White House becomes the private residence of the President and his family, who maintain the upper floor as their residence at all times.

Behind the white stone facade, day-to-day duties take place. Here is a glance behind the public scenes into the jobs performed every day at this national monument.

One of the best-known public events to be held on the White House grounds is the annual Easter Egg Roll. White House chefs prepare hundreds of official Easter eggs that are used for this party, held on the Monday after Easter. The tradition, begun during the Hayes Administration, has grown over the years into one of the most popular events for children in Washington, D.C.; approximately 40,000 people participated in 1993.

Gardeners from the National Park Service meticulously maintain the White House lawns and gardens. Perhaps the most famous of the White House gardens is the Rose Garden, where the President receives visitors ranging from foreign dignitaries to Super Bowl champions. Among the events that have taken place in the Rose Garden were President Nixon's daughter Tricia's wedding, the honoring of the first team of U.S. astronauts, and the appointment of the first female Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O'Connor. During his Presidency, from 1913 to 1921, Woodrow Wilson allowed sheep to graze on the White House lawns. During World War I, sale of their wool helped raise money for the American Red Cross.

When events in the White House are covered by the media, the viewing public sees a well-composed presentation. During President Clinton's meetings in the Cabinet Room, the press uses lights, cameras, and microphones that allow him to be clearly seen and heard around the world.

Every December the White House is decorated with Christmas trees in celebration of the holiday season. The National Park Service staff begins preparations by bringing a tree into the Blue Room. Candlelight tours are conducted to allow the public to enjoy the beauty of the festive season in this magnificent home. For information about these tours, contact the White House Visitors Office, (202) 456-7041.

The White House receives thousands of calls every day. White House operators assist callers from all over the world who are trying to reach White House offices and personnel. People who wish to voice their opinions on current issues and policies may call the White House Comment Line at (202) 456-1111, which allows the President to keep in touch with people's feelings and views. The first White House telephone was installed in 1879 by President Rutherford B. Hayes.

Adapted from "The White House: The House of the People," by the White House Historical Association.

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