Bright Ideas | February 2025
Mourning at the White House and Other Resources from the White House Historical Association
Last fall, the White House Historical Association (WHHA) debuted a new digital exhibit in partnership with Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University (NYU). Black Cloth: Mourning Dress and Drapery at the White House examines the décor used inside and outside the White House to mourn the eight presidents—William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor, Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, William McKinley, Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy—who died in office, and the black mourning gowns and accessories worn by their spouses.
Rachel Bellis, a costume studies student at NYU, created the exhibit during a semester-long internship offered by the WHHA. "During my research process for this exhibit, I learned so much about how mourning was conducted at the White House for the eight presidents who passed away in office. The rituals surrounding mourning were very complex in the nineteenth century— it was fascinating to learn how those rules changed over time, but black cloth continued to play an important role,” said Bellis.
"Rachel's dedicated research has opened a new door into the history of White House mourning traditions and has provided valuable knowledge that can be used for years to come," said Stewart McLaurin, President of the WHHA.
This accessible and engaging digital exhibit is just one of many educational resources available at the WHHA website. One of the association's missions is to educate the public on the history of the White House. And they provide free, adaptable, and ready-to-use K-12 educational materials on numerous topics in American history.
Adapted from "New Digital Exhibit Made in Partnership with NYU" press release
Screenshot excerpt from https://www.whitehousehistory.org/
"My First Library" Delivers Fun and Promotes Early Learning
When Las Vegas-Clark County Library District (LVCCLD) teamed up with Sunrise Children's Hospital to champion early literacy and learning, the My First Library box was born.
The boxes, given to parents or caregivers of babies delivered at Sunrise Hospital, contain resources for children up to age five chosen by librarians at LVCCLD. Materials include picture books featuring different textures and colors, teaching tips, information on learning milestones, magnets with QR codes for quick access to library resources, a library-branded sleep sack, and, of course, the baby's first library card.
The boxes help families get off to a great start in instilling a love of reading and learning in their young children.
“Babies and children who experience learning activities and reading early in life are more likely to remain engaged and motivated throughout their educational journey. Sunrise Children’s Hospital is the perfect partner to help us deliver valuable resources directly into the hands of parents and caregivers before they return home with their new baby,” said Las Vegas-Clark County Executive Director Kelvin Watson.
Adapted from "The Library District & Sunrise Children’s Hospital Collaborate to Provide Essential Early Learning Resources for New Parents and Caregivers" press release, October 10, 2024
Photo courtesy of Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. Used with permission.
