White House Renovation Souvenirs: Souvenirs, Relics and Mementos of the President's House

The building that is home to the Presidents has gone through tremendous changes over the 221 years of its history. The burning by the British in 1814 resulted in the first complete rebuilding of its interior. In 1902 Teddy Roosevelt remodeled the whole ground level to update and "modernize" it. President Coolidge replaced the roof and added to the third floor in 1927. Harry Truman, in the early 1950s, completely gutted and rebuilt the White House because of major structural safety issues. As a result, very little of the original material, except for the exterior walls, remains in this historic residence. Fortunately, over the years, collectors have preserved and cherished little pieces of history that were once a small part of the President's House and witnessed events that shaped our nation. Gavels, canes, bricks, nails and other amazing souvenirs made with this material survived and now proudly reside in collections and museums around the country. Hundreds of photographs and stories document this collection of treasures made from the most recognizable and historic building in this country, if not the entire world.....The White House.