Behind the Scenes of The People’s House

Scholastic Kid Reporter Xander Dorsey on a tour of The People's House (photo credit: Xander Dorsey).

The People’s House, a new museum by the White House Historical Association offers an immersive opportunity for everyone to experience its history. The museum opened on September 24, 2024. It is located at 1616 H Street NW, Washington, D.C., just a 5-minute walk from the White House. Admission to the museum is free.

Last October 2024, I had the chance to tour the Museum with Stewart McLaurin, the President of the White House Historical Association, who guided me through its interactive offerings.

A Deep Dive into Presidential History

Walking throughout the 10,000 square foot space, which is the first museum dedicated to the White House’s history and the people who have worked there, McLaurin shared some of the difficulties the White House Historical Association faced in curating the collection. The People’s House Museum holds a growing collection of over 300 years of American history, featuring artifacts related to the White House, Presidents, and major events. “One of the challenges was selecting which historical figures to feature because there are so many captivating stories,” he said.

McLaurin also explained how the White House Historical Association wanted to span different periods in American history to give visitors a broad understanding of the White House’s evolution. “In the Cabinet Room, we highlight presidents like Abraham Lincoln, (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) FDR, and (John F.) Kennedy to showcase the evolution of presidential leadership,” he added.

Recognizing the Unsung Heroes

However, unlike a traditional museum, the People’s House’s exhibits are designed to much more than than the traditional museum “We try to make all our exhibits interactive. You’re not just looking at artifacts—you’re sitting at the cabinet table or in the family theater, experiencing history firsthand,” McLaurin explained.

One of the highlights of the museum is a cross-sectional model of the White House, allowing guests to explore how the various rooms and floors interact.

Xander exploring the exhibits at the museum (photo credit: Xander Dorsey).

Apart from the technology/interactive element, a unique feature of the exhibit was its focus on the people behind the scenes. Behind the scenes staff include personal aides, secretaries, chefs, security personnel, advisors, and other specialists who support the President and ensure smooth operations. “There are about 100 people—chefs, butlers, electricians—whose work makes the White House run, but they’re rarely acknowledged. This exhibit lets them share their stories,” McLaurin said.

As McLaurin explained, the museum’s inspiration came from a desire to make the White House more accessible to all: “We want to provide an immersive experience for those who might not otherwise be able to visit.” Visiting the actual White House is complex because tours must be scheduled through a member of Congress, months in advance, and require security clearance due to safety concerns.

Xander posing for a photo behind the Resolute Desk in the full-scale replica of the Oval Office (photo credit: Xander Dorsey). 

The People’s House masterfully combines history, interactivity, and recognition of the often-overlooked individuals who contribute to its daily operations. This ensures a deeper understanding of the White House’s pivotal role in American life. As a symbol of U.S. power and history, the White House stands as a central location for diplomatic visits, important announcements, and significant meetings, while also serving as a welcoming venue for public events. Its iconic status reinforces its unique place in both American politics and the nation’s cultural heritage.