About the Project
The White House Workers History Project (WHWHP) highlights the often-overlooked impact of White House staff from 1789 to the present. The project does not feature political staff who served in the East and West Wings over time; instead, it brings the lesser-known stories of non-partisan workers to the forefront, demonstrating how everyday people served the country and shaped the American story.
WHWHP builds upon past research, including our Slavery in the President’s Neighborhood initiative, launched in 2020, which focuses on the enslaved individuals that built, lived in, and worked at the White House.
To create this database, a team of Association staff, fellows, and interns spent more than six years researching the identities and stories of workers at the White House. Our ongoing research into their lives and experiences sheds light on the many people who have contributed to White House history including immigrants, women, and people of color (both free and enslaved). This project allows us to explore the lives of individuals often left on the margins, as well as tell a more nuanced and comprehensive history, one that better reflects our national narrative. It encourages us to think beyond traditional narratives of power and politics, instead highlighting the everyday people that make our democracy function privately, without pomp and circumstance. It is a prescient reminder that a symbol is only as strong as the people who sustain it.
About the White House Historical Association
Founded in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, the White House Historical Association is the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization entrusted with preserving and sharing the history of the White House. Supported entirely by private philanthropy and the sale of educational books and products, the Association reaches millions of students, teachers, and lifelong learners through research and scholarship initiatives, public programming, and the authoritative titles published by its independent press.
The Association’s David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History carries out its mission through research initiatives and scholarship, digital archives and exhibits, public programming, and K-12 educational resources, field trips, and teacher professional development programs. The Rubenstein Center offers authoritative, comprehensive, and accessible content to inspire learners of all ages, advance historical literacy, and encourage civic engagement. It is committed to sharing the stories of those who have lived and worked at the White House, as well as its traditions, changes, and role as a national symbol.
Additional Project Resources
Our Education Team has created a variety of classroom materials based on this project. Learn more here. (Will hyperlink to upcoming Education WHWHP landing page)
The Association’s White House History Digital Archives include the digitized collections of several former White House workers. Explore those materials here.
If you are a family member or scholar with further information about a White House worker, we would love to hear from you here. Please note that research is ongoing, and this website is not a complete representation of workers at the White House. Finally, if you have remaining questions, you might wish to consult our Frequently Asked Questions, Glossary, or Research Guide below. If you cannot find an answer in these materials, feel free to reach out to us here.
Statement on Potentially Harmful Content
Research for this project utilized many types of historical sources, including some that contain outdated, biased, or offensive language. Some of this language, including newspaper and book titles or primary source quotations, are included to maintain historical accuracy and whenever possible, additional context has been provided in the corresponding citation. As such, users of the database may encounter such language or other content that falls into this category. The Association strives to balance historical accuracy with cultural sensitivity. We welcome any feedback regarding this type of content via our Contact Us page.