Introduction
The White House is an iconic symbol of American democracy and has been home to every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800. It’s no wonder that so many people are eager to visit the White House and take a tour. But getting a White House tour can be tricky. In this article, we will explore how to get a White House tour, from contacting your local representative to applying for an internship.
Contact Your Member of Congress
The first step in getting a White House tour is to contact your member of Congress. According to the White House website, “The Office of Presidential Correspondence welcomes requests from members of Congress for tours of the White House for constituents.” 1 To reach out to your member of Congress, you can find their contact information on their website or call their office directly. When you reach out, make sure to provide your name, address, date of birth, social security number, and the number of people in your party.
Request a White House Tour through the White House Website
In addition to contacting your member of Congress, you can also request a White House tour through the official White House website. This process is fairly straightforward. First, you need to fill out an online form with your contact information, the date and time of your requested tour, and the number of people in your party. You also need to provide a brief explanation of why you would like to visit the White House. The White House recommends that you submit your request at least three weeks in advance of your desired tour date. 2
When filling out the form, it’s important to be as specific as possible. For example, if you are requesting a tour for a school or other educational institution, make sure to provide details about the organization. Additionally, it’s best to provide several possible tour dates so that you have a better chance of getting a spot. Finally, make sure to double-check all the information you provide, as any mistakes may delay your request.
Join a Congressional Delegation and Request a Tour
Another way to get a White House tour is to join a congressional delegation. A congressional delegation is a group of elected officials and other representatives who travel overseas to represent the United States. According to the Department of State, “Congressional delegations, also known as CODELs, are organized by members of Congress and serve to foster international relations, conduct oversight of U.S. foreign policy, and monitor current developments in foreign countries.”3 If you join a congressional delegation, you may be able to request a White House tour while you are in Washington, D.C.
To join a congressional delegation, you need to contact your local representative and ask if they are planning any upcoming trips. You can also check the websites of individual members of Congress or the House and Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs for more information. Once you have joined a delegation, you can then contact the White House to request a tour.
Apply for a White House Internship
If you are interested in getting an up-close look at the inner workings of the White House, you can apply for a White House internship. Internships are available for college students and recent graduates, and internships run for 10-12 weeks each semester. Internships offer valuable experience and the opportunity to work alongside White House staff. To apply, you must submit an online application, which includes a resume, academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. 4
Interns are expected to attend meetings, answer phones, and assist with research projects. Additionally, interns may be given the opportunity to take a tour of the White House and meet with senior staff. However, internships are extremely competitive, so make sure to apply early and put your best foot forward.
Attend a Special Event at the White House
The White House hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as state dinners, holiday parties, and receptions. Attending one of these events is a great way to get a glimpse of the White House and potentially meet the President. To find out about upcoming events, you can check the White House website or follow the White House on social media. Additionally, you can contact your local representative and ask if they have any tickets available.
Participate in a White House Public Tour Program
The White House also offers public tour programs, which are free and open to the public. These tours are typically offered on weekdays and last around 45 minutes. To participate in a public tour program, you must sign up in advance. The White House Visitor Center keeps a list of upcoming tours and provides instructions on how to reserve a spot. When you arrive for the tour, you will need to bring a valid photo ID and go through a security screening. 5
During the tour, you will get to see some of the most famous rooms in the White House, such as the East Room, the Blue Room, and the Red Room. You will also learn about the history of the White House and the different presidents who have lived there. Keep in mind that photos and videos are not allowed during the tour, so make sure to bring a pen and paper to take notes.
Donate to a White House Charitable Organization
Finally, you can get a White House tour by donating to a White House charitable organization. The White House supports a variety of organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the National Park Foundation, and the Smithsonian Institution. By making a donation, you can show your support for these organizations and potentially receive a tour of the White House in return. To donate, you can visit the White House website or contact the organization directly.
Conclusion
Getting a White House tour is an exciting and unique experience. While it may seem daunting, there are several ways to get a tour, from contacting your local representative to donating to a White House charity. With a little bit of research and preparation, you can make your dream of visiting the White House a reality.
Sources:
1. “Tours of the White House for Members of Congress.” The White House, www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-for-members-of-congress/.
2. “White House Tours.” The White House, www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-and-events/.
3. “Congressional Delegations.” U.S. Department of State, www.state.gov/congressional-delegations/.
4. “White House Internships.” The White House, www.whitehouse.gov/participate/internships/.
5. “White House Visitor Center.” The White House, www.whitehouse.gov/visit/white-house-visitor-center/.
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