The White House Tour: Hidden Stories

One of the best things about digital projects is their power to breathe life into history in fresh and accessible ways. Recently, we collaborated with ESI Design and A&E Networks on an exciting digital experience for Jill Biden and the Office of the First Lady, exploring playful, intimate, and sometimes unexpected narratives hidden within the iconic White House.

The result is the White House Tour: Hidden Stories, launched in 2024—a microsite designed to uncover lesser-known anecdotes from America's most famous residence, inviting visitors to experience history in a uniquely engaging way.

Bringing History to Life

The microsite takes visitors through 40 curated stories, each revealing intriguing moments from White House history. From whimsical tales about presidential pets to surprising historical moments, users navigate through rich visual content, supported by imagery and short videos created in collaboration with A&E Networks.

Each story is designed to resonate emotionally and intellectually, providing historical insights through relatable, human stories.

• Immersive storytelling: Vivid imagery and captivating videos that draw visitors into the narrative.
• Accessible experiences: Open to anyone—whether visiting the White House in person or exploring from afar.
• Rich narratives: Stories span a range of topics—from Civil War soldiers bunking in the East Room to Eleanor Roosevelt's groundbreaking press conferences and whimsical tales of White House pets.

Expanding the Audience

By developing the microsite, we aimed to extend the reach of White House tours beyond their physical limitations. Visitors who receive tour confirmation emails can dive deeper into these hidden stories, enhancing their tour experience before or after their visit. Additionally, the platform welcomes individuals who might never step inside the White House itself, broadening public access to its history.

An Ongoing Journey

The initial launch includes 40 unique vignettes, but with ongoing engagement, the collection is poised to expand further, incorporating more narratives and even thematic explorations like holidays at the White House.

Explore the Hidden Stories of the White House today, and discover history like never before.

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