One-Day Symposium: The United Kingdom and Ireland in the White House

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The White House Historical Association is hosting a full-day symposium - The United Kingdom and Ireland in the White House: A Conversation on Historical Perspectives, in collaboration with the British and Irish embassies. This event highlights the rich history of the relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland with the United States, with presentations on White House architecture, construction, decorative arts, and design.

The Ambassadors of the United Kingdom and Ireland will provide opening remarks.

Speakers include Professor Kathleen Burk, Merlo Kelly, Brian O'Connell, Edward Lengel, William Seale, Surveyor of the Queen's Works of Art Rufus Bird, and White House Curator Lydia Tederick. The event will also feature Charles Jones, a stonemason from Scotland, who will carve a Double Scottish Rose similar to those seen above the White House North Door. Former White House Correspondent Ann Compton will moderate a panel of all featured speakers in the late afternoon.

The symposium includes a luncheon featuring menus from past White House state dinners with United Kingdom and Irish leaders. A reception concludes the event with traditional Irish music.

This event is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased here.  

WHEN: Thursday, May 3, 8AM-5:00PM
WHERE: The White House Historical Association, 1610 H St. NW, Washington, D.C.

EVENT SCHEDULE

8:00am-9:00am: Registration and light breakfast in Decatur House Parlors

9:00am-9:15am: Welcome and Overview, with remarks from His Excellency Sir Kim Darroch, U.K. Ambassador to the United States, and His Excellency Daniel Mulhall, Irish Ambassador to the United States

9:15am-10:00am: Keynote: 200 Years of the United Kingdom and Ireland in the White House: A Historic Panorama 
Topic: The relationships between the U.S., the U.K. and Ireland, highlighting important moments in our shared history.
Speaker: Professor Kathleen Burk, University College London.

10:00am-11:00am: Keynote: James Hoban and the White House 
Topic: Architect James Hoban's work in Ireland and the United States
Speakers: Brian O'Connell, Dublin-based architect; Merlo Kelly, University College Dublin, Architecture and Landscape Design 
Moderator: Dr. Edward Lengel, renowned World War I historian and advisor to WHHA 

11:00am-11:45am: Keynote: Scottish Stonemasons in the White House
Topic: Scottish stonemasons' role in the construction of the Executive Mansion
Speakers: Charles Jones, Stonemason with Historic Environment Scotland; William Seale, distinguished White House Historian

12:00pm-1:30pm: Luncheon
Selection of traditional Irish dance tunes, slow airs, and O'Carolan compositions with Alex Boatright and toasts from Stewart McLaurin, Mary Streett, Randolph Churchill, and Christopher Moran.

1:45pm-3:00pm: Keynote: Influences on Decorative Art and Design in the White House 
Topic: Influences of U.K. and Irish decorative arts on the White House Collection
Speakers: Rufus Bird, Surveyor of The Queen's Works of Art, The Royal Collection Trust; Lydia Tederick, White House Curator

3:00pm-3:45pm: Panel of all presenters and speakers. Moderated by Ann Compton

4:00pm-5:00pm: Reception in Decatur House Courtyard featuring traditional Irish music and spirits.

Learn more about the event and speakers here.

About The White House Historical Association
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. In 1961, the White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion's legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association's mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the White House Historical Association has contributed more than $47 million in fulfillment of its mission. To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit www.whitehousehistory.org.

SOURCE White House Historical Association

Related Links

http://www.whitehousehistory.org