December 21, 2011 through February 26, 2012

The stories of White House workers provide an intimate behind-the-scenes portrait of two centuries at the country's most famous household. Highlights include images, video, audio and historic artifacts of the often unsung workers who have kept the White House running as a seat of government, family residence, ceremonial center, museum and historic building.  "The Working White House" was developed and supported by the White House Historical Association with assistance from the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. The exhibit was organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.

[Above] Maintenance worker Lawrence Thompson, 2001 Lawrence Thompson rolls up carpet in the Blue Room in anticipation of morning tour groups. The carpet will be unrolled later when the president receives invited guests. Photo courtesy The White House Historical Association

Gallery Hours are noon to 4:00 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.

Special Holiday Hours:

Open Wednesdays December 21, 28 and January 4, from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Closed December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.

ADMISSION IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC