Aerial view east from 17th Street NW over the White House grounds across Pennsylvania Avenue, with four baseball diamonds in view, October 31, 1938 (Aero Services photograph collection, AS 111)
Over the past few days, the DC History Center has received a wave of inquiries about the major construction occurring on the East Wing of the White House. Concerned residents of the District have been calling and writing in to ask us: Can they really do that? Isn’t the White House a historical landmark? Aren’t there protections?
First of all, thank you for reaching out. We acknowledge that there are many questions surrounding this topic and that you have identified us as a trusted resource. It is very important, however, that we reiterate that topics revolving around the federal government are out of the DC History Center’s mission scope.
The DC History Center is an independent, community-based nonprofit focused on the local history of Washington, DC. We elevate the stories of the city of Washington’s people, neighborhoods, and institutions. We are not affiliated with the federal government and do not focus on federal stories, buildings, or agencies.
We also do not specialize in the preservation or oversight of historic buildings, even local ones. That work is typically managed by federal or DC preservation bodies, depending on the site and jurisdiction.
Street view of O Street in Georgetown, painting by John A. Bryans, 1956 (Kiplinger Washington Collection)
The DC History Center, housed in the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square, celebrates the stories of Washington, DC through exhibitions, programs, and publications. Since 1894, we’ve cared for a growing collection that chronicles life in the District—materials donated by families, institutions, businesses, and communities across the city. These resources are available to the public in the Kiplinger Research Library, where anyone interested in DC’s past is welcome to explore and learn. To schedule a research appointment or ask questions, contact library@dchistory.org.
While we appreciate the community’s curiosity and commitment to preserving Washington’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, we encourage those with questions about the White House, federal landmarks, or other historic properties in the region to contact the appropriate preservation agencies. The organizations below specialize in these areas and can provide information and guidance.
Organizations Doing This Work: National Capital Planning Commission National Trust for Historic Preservation Society of Architectural Historians White House Historical Association DC Preservation League
To us, Washington’s history is rooted in the everyday places, stories, and memories of its residents. At the DC History Center, we remain focused on telling the stories of the people and places that make up the fabric of our city—from neighborhood movements and local landmarks to the everyday histories that shape life in the District.