Strange-but-true stories about America’s Presidents from the National Archives and Presidential Libraries.
This post continues our celebration of the 225th anniversary of the First Congress. The Constitution gives the President the “power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties.” This first time the President attempted to seek that advice occurred in August 1789 when first President George Washington sent a message … Continue reading The Senate irritates the President
Today’s guest post comes from Susan Donius, Director of the Office of Presidential Libraries at the National Archives. This post originally appeared on the White House blog. The President of the United States must be ready to travel anywhere in the world on a moment’s notice. Fortunately, modern Presidents have access to a variety of … Continue reading Air Force One and Presidential Air Travel
By Jim Worsham Harry S. Truman had been Vice President of the United States for only a few weeks when he showed up on February 10, 1945, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. He had agreed to take part in a show for some 800 servicemen. For his part of the show, Truman … Continue reading Truman, Bacall, and That Photograph
Today’s post comes from Emma Rothberg, intern in the National Archives History Office in Washington, DC. August 8 marks the 40th anniversary of President Richard M. Nixon's resignation. Early on the morning of June 17, 1972, five men broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC. The aftermath brought the first … Continue reading “I have never been a quitter . . .”
Today’s post is from Lee Lacy, an Assistant Professor at the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. When Harry S. Truman was told on April 12, 1945, by Eleanor Roosevelt that her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was dead, Truman reacted true to form. He asked if there was anything he … Continue reading Harry Truman and The Bomb
Today’s post is from David Steinbach, intern in the National Archives History Office. William Howard Taft had unusually extensive experience with the Presidential oath of office. In 1909, Taft recited the text on the steps of the Capitol to become the 27th President of the United States. Sixteen years later, as Chief Justice of the … Continue reading An Inaugural Blunder
Today's post comes from Christina James, intern in the National Archives History Office. Walking through our nation’s capital, you will inevitably come across at least one structure adorned with triangular pediments, massive columns, or a majestic dome. Many of Washington, DC’s most iconic buildings and monuments feature these elements and exemplify neoclassical architecture. John Russell Pope, … Continue reading John Russell Pope’s Lincoln Memorial designs
Today’s post comes from Darlene McClurkin, National Archives Exhibits staff member. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. The original resolution is on display in the East Rotunda Gallery of the National Archives Building from July 15 to August 7, 2014. Fifty years ago, the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution marked a major turning point … Continue reading On exhibit: Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
By Jim Worsham Today—July 2—was supposed to have been the big day of celebrations, with parades, bells, fireworks, festivals and all that kind of stuff—at least that’s how John Adams envisioned it. After all, on July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress ended its debate and approved the resolution proposed on June 7 by Richard Henry … Continue reading John Adams’s vision of July 4 was July 2
Today’s post celebrates the international sporting event that captivates billions of people every four years: the World Cup! Brazilian icon Pele is one of the world’s most recognized footballers. He is one of the few players to appear in four World Cup finals and the only player to win three World Cup titles (1958, 1962, … Continue reading Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal!
