Episode 265: Lindsay Chervinsky, An Early History of the White House

by Liz CovartNovember 19, 2019

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On July 1, 1790, Congress passed “An Act for Establishing the temporary and permanent Seat of the Government of the United States.” This act formalized a plan to move the capital of the United States from New York City to Philadelphia, for a period of 10 years, and then from Philadelphia to Washington D.C., where the United States government would make its permanent home.

What buildings did Congress have erected to house the government?

Lindsay Chervinsky works for the White House Historical Association as the White House Historian and she joins us to explore the history of one of the earliest buildings in Washington D.C., the White House.

About the Show

Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.

It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.

Each episode features a conversation with a historian who helps us shed light on important people and events in early American history.

Ben Franklin’s World is a production of the Omohundro Institute.

Episode Summary

Lindsay Chervinsky works as the White House Historian for the White House Historical Association. She joins us to explore the history of one of the earliest buildings in Washington D.C., the White House.

As we explore the early days of the White House, Lindsay reveals the history, work, and mission of the White House Historical Association; Why the White House stands where it does and the history of the land it stands on; And, details about the design and construction of the White House, including details about its furnishings and the workers who constructed it.

What You’ll Discover

History of the White House Historical Association
Work of the White House Historical Association
Research performed by the White House Historical Association
The early history of the White House
Location of the White House
The history of the land under the White House
The four designed purposes of the White House
Construction of the president’s house
Working and living conditions for president’s house laborers
First impressions of the White House from John & Abigail Adams
Origins of the name “White House”
White House furnishings
Who furnishes the White House
Burning of the White House in 1814

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Time Warp Question

In your opinion, what might have happened if the British had not burned the President’s House in 1814? How might the history of the White House and the federal government be different?