White House staff
Gary Walters: 37 Years of Service as the Longest-Serving White House Chief Usher and His Untold Stories
Nov 18, 2025 05:00 pm CST
Discover the remarkable 37-year career of Gary Walters, the longest-serving White House chief usher who managed the presidential residence across six administrations. From handling a smoke-filled room during a Reagan dinner party to clearing the South Lawn on 9/11, Walters shares unique behind-the-scenes stories from his new memoir about serving the presidency beyond politics.
Abraham Lincoln's Rare Handwritten Reference Letter for Black Valet Reveals 19th Century Race Relations
Nov 07, 2025 01:50 pm CST
Discover the extraordinary 1861 letter written by President Abraham Lincoln on behalf of his Black valet William Johnson, now on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. This rare historical document reveals Lincoln's personal concern for a Black man's welfare during the tumultuous beginning of the Civil War era, highlighting complexities of race relations within the White House and demonstrating Lincoln's characteristic empathy that transcended social boundaries.