Easter at the White House: A Presidential Tradition
– By #The National Presidential Wax Museum
As the snow melts in the Black Hills and spring begins to bloom, we at the National Presidential Wax Museum can’t help but reflect on one of the most charming and time-honored traditions in American history: Easter at the White House. While we may be miles away from Washington, D.C., our collection of lifelike presidential figures and immersive exhibits make it easy to feel connected to the history and traditions that shape our nation, including those that involve egg rolls, bunny ears, and a whole lot of springtime spirit.
The White House Easter Egg Roll, as we know it today, began in 1878 during the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes. After Congress banned children from rolling eggs on the Capitol grounds to preserve the landscaping, President Hayes invited families to the White House lawn instead. This simple act of hospitality gave rise to an event that has now spanned nearly 150 years, enduring through wars, economic downturns, and even modern-day adaptations.
Over the decades, each administration has added its own unique touch to the celebration. Teddy Roosevelt brought an athletic energy to the lawn, encouraging spirited races and competitions. Calvin Coolidge added music, inviting live bands to play as children rolled their eggs across the South Lawn. In 1981, First Lady Nancy Reagan introduced wooden souvenir eggs, decorative keepsakes that have since become one of the most cherished symbols of the event.
More than just an Easter celebration, the White House Easter Egg Roll has grown into a cultural moment that welcomes families from across the nation. In recent years, it’s included everything from celebrity storytelling and musical performances to egg hunts, yoga sessions, and crafts. Presidents and first ladies regularly take part, often reading books to children or even joining in on the egg rolling themselves. It’s a rare glimpse of presidential playfulness that reminds us that behind the gravitas of the office lies the joy of community and connection.
Here at the National Presidential Wax Museum, we’re proud to preserve the stories of the leaders who’ve shaped our country, and yes, that includes the lighter, festive moments too. As you explore our halls and come face to face with figures like Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, or John F. Kennedy, imagine how they might have embraced an Easter celebration at the White House. Would John Adams have led a bunny hop relay? Would George Washington have opted for a more stately egg roll?
While we may not host an egg roll here in Keystone, a visit to the museum this spring is a perfect way to step into the stories of the past and celebrate the enduring traditions that bring us together year after year.
So grab your bonnet, bring the family, and hop on over for a presidential spring adventure unlike any other. Who knows, there might even be a hidden Easter egg or two waiting in our exhibits!
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