The White House is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, yet few know the name or story of the man responsible for its design and construction: James Hoban.

Born in 1755, to poor tenant farmers, he spent his childhood years in County Kilkenny, Ireland. As a young man, he studied at the renowned Dublin Society Drawing School before leaving for America in the 1780s. Rising to prominence as a builder in Charleston, South Carolina, Hoban eventually found himself in charge of the building site of the President’s House after being personally selected by President George Washington to carry out the important project.

The program begins with an illustrated talk by Stewart D. McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, that traces back to Hoban’s roots and his work on the White House. McLaurin is then joined by Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar Richard Kurin for an in-depth conversation to reveal who this elusive man was, what informed his craft, and the mark he left on this country.

McLaurin’s book, James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House (White House Historical Association) is available for sale.

Book Sale Information

• Purchase your copy of James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House by Stewart D. McLaurin here.

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