A rare glimpse at the White House portrait collection
In anticipation of the Obamas' White House portraits being unveiled on September 7, the Associated Press spoke with Stewart McLaurin, the president of the White House Historical Association, about the expansive collection of presidential and first lady portraits that hang in the White House. McLaurin shared the history of the collection that dates all the way back to George Washington. He emphasized that portraits such as the ones found in the White House collection were once the only images that the American people had of their presidents and first ladies early in the country's history; unlike today, where photos and videos of political officials are widely accessible on the internet and social media. But McLaurin believes in the tradition of the White House portrait collection.
