who we are
The White House Historical Association was founded in 1961 out of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s efforts to transform the house into a historical museum. In just over a year, Mrs. Kennedy – with the support of a few prominent individuals — turned The Executive Mansion into a showcase of American artwork and craftsmanship. We continue to promote Mrs. Kennedy’s vision for the “people’s house,” and provide the funds to protect its objects, preserve its interiors, and ensure public access to its living history.
To provide these funds we rely entirely on private donations — the White House does not allot public money to pay for its own historic preservation.