Main Content

Architecture

Featured Collection

James Hoban: Architect of the White House

James Hoban's life is a memorable Irish-American success story. In his boyhood he learned the craft of carpenter and wheelwright, and became an architect by profession and a builder by trade. Hoban came to America with high ambitions, and designed and erected many buildings; but what keeps his name alive today arises from one special commission—he was the architect of

clear filters
Video

The 1600 Sessions - Freemasons and the White House

Since the laying of the cornerstone in 1792, Freemasons have played an important role in the construction and the history of the White House, with members including Irish architect James Hoban and many presidents from George Washington to Gerald Ford. In this episode of the 1600 Sessions, White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin interviews Jason Van Dyke, Director of Communications of

Video

The 1600 Sessions - James Hoban, Designer and Builder of the White House

James Hoban came from humble beginnings as a young carpenter and architect in Ireland, and went on to collaborate with George Washington on the design and construction of one of the most iconic buildings in the world. In this episode of the 1600 Sessions, White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin interviews three contributors to the Association’s new book, "James Ho

Scholarship

Building the President's House with Enslaved Labor

In several ways, James Hoban’s life resembles the classic immigrant success story. Born to a modest family in County Kilkenny, Ireland, Hoban studied at the Dublin Society School of Architectural Drawing before seeking greater opportunities abroad. He arrived in the new United States by 1785 and was settled in Charleston, South Carolina, by 1787, where he and his business partner Pierce Pu