The White House Experience: Enhanced and Expanded Virtual Access to the People’s House

FAIN: GA-274310-20

White House Historical Association (Washington, DC 20006-4907)
Colleen Shogan (Project Director: May 2020 to October 2023)

The retention of seven full-time staff who would enhance the White House Experience app and other online assets.

With White House tours canceled indefinitely due to COVID-19, the realization of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s belief that “the White House belongs to the American people” requires a transformation—like much in our lives these days—to a virtual experience. In 2018, the White House Historical Association (WHHA) launched the White House Experience app (WHE app). The challenges of COVID-19 have brought limitations of the current WHE app to the fore. WHHA faces the task of addressing these problems amidst budgetary uncertainty, largely due to the closure of WHHA on-site retail operations. WHHA seeks funding to enhance the WHE app with the addition of audio tours and foreign languages, a web version of the app targeted at teachers for distance learning, and a 360 degree “virtual” tour of the White House. This project will contribute to the salaries of seven employees, thus stabilizing retention of critical humanities staff and expanding accessibility.