+
Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Tour the White House

For Teachers 2nd
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text describing some famous rooms inside the White House. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
+
Website
PBS

Pbs News Hour: Slaves Built the White House and u.s. Capitol

For Students 9th - 10th
Video shows author Jesse Holland as he discusses the involvement of slaves in the building of the White House and the U.S. Capitol.
+
Handout
The White House

The White House: First Ladies

For Students 9th - 10th
The official White House biographies of the first ladies are provided here.
+
PPT
The White House

The White House: Photo Gallery: Celebrating President's Day

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a slideshow of important moments in the history of the American presidency. Includes photographs of presidential inaugurations, candid images of presidents and copies of inauguration day speeches.
+
Lesson Plan
White House Historical Association

White House Historical Association: Watergate, Gerald Ford, and the Nixon Pardon

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Lesson plan on an incredible chain of events that led to Ford's presidency. Students learn about this tale of American history, beginning with the Watergate break-in, the Saturday Night Massacre, and an accelerating crisis that would...
+
Article
A&E Television

History.com: Dreaming of a White (House) Christmas: 17 Photos

For Students 9th - 10th
Christmas at the first residence has evolved from an understated, intimate affair in 1800 to an all-out media event.
+
Website
White House Historical Association

White House Historical Association: Christmas Tree Themes

For Students K - 1st
The White House Historical Association takes a look at how Christmas has been celebrated in the White House throughout history. A chronicle of how Christmas trees have been decorated and the themes used by the various First Ladies. Also...
+
Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Government Buildings: The White House (3 5)

For Students 3rd - 8th
Offers a basic overview of the official residence of the President of the United States, the White House. The only president who did not live there was George Washington, because it was not completed until 1800.
+
Interactive
The White House

The White House: History and Grounds: Camp David

For Students 1st - 9th
Overview of the tranquil presidential retreat grounds, known as Camp David, where foreign dignitaries are hosted as they meet with U.S. officials.
+
eBook
OpenStax

Open Stax: Progressive Movement 1890 1920: Progressivism in the White House

For Students 11th - 12th
Looks at the Square Deal of Theodore Roosevelt, the Progressive goals of William Taft, and at legislation enacted under the New Freedom agenda of Woodrow Wilson.
+
Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: The American Presidency

For Students 9th - 10th
Compiled by the National Museum of American History, this is a look at the many aspects of the American Presidency! The White House and life inside, a biography of each president, the first ladies, campaign trails, assassinations, and...
+
Handout
The White House

The White House: Air Force One

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the history and features of Air Force One, the plane used to transport the President of the United States, our Commander-in-Chief.
+
Handout
The White House

The White House: Presidents: William J. Clinton

For Students 9th - 10th
This site gives the reader a brief history of Clinton's life as well as his presidency. Includes a color portrait and interesting facts about his family and youth.
+
Website
Other

Presidential Pet Museum: White House Pets 1953 2009

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Trace the history of presidential pets from 1953-2009 with this impressive collection of photos and the leaders who owned them.
+
Handout
White House Historical Association

The White House Historical Association: The Presidents

For Students 9th - 10th
Complete biographies and photos of all past presidents.
+
Website
White House Historical Association

White House Historical Association: Brief History of Presidential Inaugurations

For Students 9th - 10th
Offers comprehensive historical background on presidential inaugurations from George Washington to Bill Clinton. Includes images and a trivia quiz to test your knowledge.
+
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: Today in History: August 19: British Troops Land in Maryland & Television

For Students 9th - 10th
An account from the Library of Congress of the famous burning of Washington where Dolley Madison saved priceless treasures from the White House minutes before the British entered the city as well as other historical events, including...
+
Handout
OpenStax

Open Stax: u.s. History: Watergate: Nixon's Domestic Nightmare

For Students 9th - 10th
From a chapter in a history textbook. This section looks at the election of 1972, which Richard Nixon won, and the subsequent Watergate crisis. Includes review questions.
+
Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History: American Presidency: A Glorious Burden

For Students 9th - 10th
Review the lives and careers of the presidents (current through 2001), particularly the burdens that the office imposes, by examining documents and artifacts that clarify the powers of the office, the role of presidential campaigns, life...
+
Handout
National Women’s History Museum

National Women's History Museum: Selma Burke

For Students 9th - 10th
Selma Burke discovered her love for sculpture as a young child and followed her passion to Harlem Renaissance New York, Parisian art studios, and even the White House.
+
Handout
The White House

The White House: Elections & Voting

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief discussion of Americans' right to vote and how federal elections happen.
+
Article
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Let Girls Learn: The White House

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn more about Michelle Obama's global initiative Let Girls Learn, a government-wide effort helping to educate girls everywhere.
+
Unit Plan
Have Fun With History

Have Fun With History: u.s. Presidents

For Students 9th - 10th
Module in which students and teachers can find information through videos, library or museum sites on presidents of the United States as well as general information on the presidency and the White House.
+
Website
University of Virginia

Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Presidential Recording Program

For Students 9th - 10th
Great resource for those interested in the history of the American presidency. Presented here are the digital sound files and summaries of taped recordings from six U.S. Presidents including the controversial Nixon tapes.