One of the most important buildings in the history of America stands at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Presidents have lived in the White House for just over 203 years, guiding the fate of one of the most powerful countries in the world. This domicile comes rich in tradition, lore and educational opportunities.
For those who do not have the chance to tour the building in person, a fantastic Web site offers the perfect exhibit, highlighting the men, women and items that have interacted in this landmark of democracy.
White HouseHistorical Association
Site address: www.whitehousehistory.org
Creator: Established in 1961, the White House Historical Association is a nonprofit group based in the District whose goal is to enhance understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the White House.
Creator quotable: “The association created a Web site in 1997 as a reference and learning tool for American families. Immediate access to reliable historical information and the growth of the Web sparked a remarkable demand for White House content,” says William Bushong, historian and webmaster for the White House Historical Association. “Our site’s expansion and redesign for 2004 now truly embodies the substance and vitality of historical and educational programs that began more than 40 years ago.”
Word from the Webwise: On top of pages resembling finely aged parchment, students will find an irresistible mix of photos, narration, videos and animation dripping with historical significance.
Visitors looking for an educational afternoon should check out four of the primary sections — Online Shows, Historical Tours, Timelines and Historic Photographs — to find a variety of information-packed presentations.
Beginning with Timelines, junior scholars can read about each president and first lady; the progression of technology installed at the White House; and significant events surrounding the West Wing, including video snippets of speeches given by presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and John F. Kennedy.
Under Historic Photographs, shutterbugs will love the areas highlighting the work of famed photographers Matthew Brady, Frances Benjamin Johnston, Theodor Horydczak, Chris Usher and David Hume Kennerly, with images going back to Abraham Lincoln.
Visitors looking for the ultimate dissection of the White House need only click to Historical Tours to find History Channel-type modules devoted to most every room. Architectural layouts of the building can be downloaded, and visitors can even enjoy a hunt for representations of eagles in the White House conducted by a few famous presidents transformed into cartoon characters.
My favorite section, Online Shows, concentrates on presidential inaugurations, the U.S. Marine Band, Mr. Truman’s major renovation of the White House in 1948 and collections of art found within its hallowed walls through an encyclopedic presentation adorned with plenty of photographs.
Ease of use: The site uses the latest Macromedia Flash and Shockwave plug-ins and, in addition, visitors will need the QuickTime movie viewer and a speedy connection to get the full impact of this dense online museum.
Don’t miss: A load of “I didn’t know that” information appears under Facts & Trivia. Why is the Oval Office oval? Why is the White House white? and Who was the first president to marry in office? are all answered.
Family activity: A voluminous Classroom section provides educators and home-schoolers an entire curriculum based on U.S. history. Students have the opportunity to take part in debates, sketch illustrations, create collages and write lists based on activities such as reading the letters of Dolley Madison before the White House burned during the War of 1812, analyzing the Emancipation Proclamation and understanding the Declaration by the United Nations.
Cybersitter synopsis: Junior art aficionados, architecture admirers and presidential scholars will not be disappointed in the association’s packed multimedia Web site. Younger children may not be thrilled by the stately pages, but children in middle school and above will find a wealth of knowledge about their government’s top leader and where he lives.
Overall grade: A
Remember: The information on the Internet is constantly changing. Please verify the advice on the sites before you act to be sure it’s accurate and updated. Health sites, for example, should be discussed with your own physician.
Have a cool site for the family? Write to Joseph Szadkowski at Webwise, The Washington Times, 3600 New York Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002; call 202/636-3016; or send an e-mail message (jszadkowski@washingtontimes.com).
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