Date: February 2, 2009
Contact: Bill Line, Toni Braxton, 202-619-7400
National Park Service Invites Visitors to become “President for a Day” at the White House Visitors Center
Visitors who “elect” to stop at the White House Visitor Center on Monday, February 16, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. may be “sworn into office as President for a day” with the help of National Park Service rangers and volunteers from President’s Park. The White House Visitor Center is located near the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets, N.W., on the north side of the Commerce Department building.
During this full day of free programming, visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to sample some of the sights, sounds, activities, and personages that have helped to make the White House America’s most historical residence. Visitors will have an opportunity to experience many aspects of White House life from times gone by due to the participation of actors from the acclaimed American Historical Theater and National Park Service Rangers and volunteers. The day’s events will include games, crafts and other activities for both children and adults.
“Chat” with Abraham Lincoln about his decision to preserve the Union during the Civil War or what it was like to live in a log cabin. Pull up a chair at First Lady Dolley Madison’s table and learn how she managed to save the portrait of George Washington when the British burned the White House in 1814. Have your picture taken with Presidents Lincoln, Kennedy and Ford. Make your own beeswax candle. Design your own “White House China” for your next state dinner. Step up to the “Bully Pulpit” and deliver a history-making presidential speech. Visitors will be invited to test their knowledge of White House history in a game of “Who Wants to be a President?” where winners will receive prizes and no one will go home a loser!
Program Schedule
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Portrait opportunity with President’s Lincoln, Kennedy and Ford
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
“Hail to the Chef!” Learn about some of the dishes that have found their way to the President’s table through the years and see if you have the recipe for success in the White House kitchen.
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Design your own “White House China”
9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“Light the Way” – make your own beeswax candle
9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Ask the President
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Step up to the “Bully Pulpit” and deliver a historical Presidential speech
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
11:10 a.m. to 11:40 p.m.
12:20 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.
Chat with Abraham Lincoln about his decision to preserve the Union during the Civil War
10:35 a.m. to 11:05 a.m.
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“Who wants to be President?” Test your intellect and knowledge of White House history
9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
10:35 a.m. to 11:05 p.m.
11:45 p.m. to 12:15 p.m.
12:55 p.m. to 1:25 p.m.
Pull up a chair at Dolley Madison’s table and learn how she became White House hostess for two U.S. Presidents (space limited)
The National Park Service reminds all visitors that public parking is limited and visitors are encouraged to take METRO. The nearest stations are Metro Center and Federal Triangle, on the orange, blue and red lines. For more information about this event call 202-208-1631 or go to www.nps.gov/whho.
