When visiting Washington D.C., one cannot miss the iconic tourist spot, the White House. Since the September 11 attacks in 2001, access to the interior of the White House has become restricted, requiring a recommendation from a member of the United States Congress. This has posed a significant hurdle for many Japanese visitors.
As a result, when visiting the White House, most people end up observing it from a distance through multiple fences. However, there are popular spots related to the White House where visitors can explore exhibits and learn more about it. These include the Ellipse Pavilion located in a corner of the Ellipse, south of the White House, and the White House Visitor Center on the first floor of the Department of Commerce.
Inside the Visitor Center, there is an official shop operated by the White House Historical Association, where visitors can purchase official White House merchandise. Additionally, there are shops located in the north side of the White House and within the White House itself, all selling official merchandise.
In this article, we will introduce recommended items among the official merchandise offered by the White House Historical Association.
Location and Directions to the White House Historical Association
The historical association, where official White House merchandise is sold, is located in the Decatur House, which can be found west of H Street, on the north side of Lafayette Square, adjacent to the White House.
The Decatur House consists of a brick main building facing Lafayette Square and a white-walled stable on its west side. The White House Historical Association is located in the stable building. Along the street, you will see a storefront that serves as a landmark, and as you proceed, you will find the entrance.
Upon entering the entrance, there is a reception area. By turning left and proceeding down the corridor, you will enter the official shop. Although you might wonder why you need to go through a reception area to enter a shop, there are no specific security checks, so feel free to greet the staff and enter.
The shop, decorated in white, is filled with a wide array of official merchandise, all of which are of high quality.
In addition to the main shop, there are shops within the White House Visitor Center on the first floor of the Department of Commerce and in the Visitor’s Lounge in the East Wing of the White House.
Among these three locations, the White House Visitor Center is the most accessible for many tourists. While you will need to undergo a security check at the entrance, you can get a closer look at items actually used in the White House, providing a museum-like experience.
Recommended White House Official Merchandise
Now, let’s introduce some recommended items among the official White House merchandise.
Whether you are looking for something easily purchasable or high-end, the souvenirs available here will make for the perfect memento of your trip to Washington D.C.
Annual Christmas Ornaments
Ornaments are items used to decorate Christmas trees, typically including various colored balls or presents. However, the ones sold here are unique and highly popular in Japan, featuring designs such as the shape of the White House or the emblem of the United States, with distinctive designs released each year.
In 2019, an ornament resembling Marine One, the helicopter used to transport the President from the White House to nearby facilities, was released.
Business Card Holder featuring the Resolute Eagle
The Resolute Eagle is the presidential seal carved on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. It was a gift from Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom to the 19th President, Rutherford B. Hayes, in 1880.
The desk got its name from the Resolute, a British ship used in an Arctic expedition in 1845. After the failed expedition, the ship was abandoned and later recovered by an American whaling ship, which returned it to the United Kingdom. As a token of friendship, the ship’s timbers were used to make the Resolute Desk, and it bears the same design as the eagle found on the desk.
The business card holder features the Resolute Eagle on a deep blue background with a gold frame, exuding an elegant and refined aura.
Replicas of Paintings Displayed in the White House
The White House displays various paintings that symbolize American history. These paintings can be found in locations such as the East Room, where signing ceremonies and joint press conferences with foreign leaders take place, adding splendor to the building’s interior.
For those who want to experience the ambiance more intimately, we highly recommend replicas of these paintings. You can choose between framed and unframed options. With a framed replica, you can directly display it, while an unframed one allows you to select a frame that matches your room’s decor.
Please note that the paintings sold here are not available for international shipping, so it would be a great memento if you visit Washington D.C.
Miniature Model Constructed with the Same Materials as the White House
This miniature model of the White House is made from the same sandstone used for the exterior walls of the actual building. The stones were sourced from Aquia in Virginia, just like during the original construction.
The model faithfully recreates the White House Residence, and it is an ideal keepsake for miniature enthusiasts as well as a great memento for your trip to Washington D.C. It also includes a booklet about the White House’s architecture, providing a brief history of the iconic building.
Since the model is made of sandstone and quite heavy, be cautious when transporting it back to your home.
White House Historical Association: Offering a Wide Range of American-Made Items
The White House Historical Association, where you can purchase official White House merchandise, offers a vast selection of items predominantly manufactured in the United States. While some foreign-made products may be available, any items displaying the American flag on the official website are guaranteed to be made in the USA. Thus, buying souvenirs here ensures an authentic memento of your visit to Washington D.C.
The prices may be relatively high, but considering that they contribute to preserving the historical White House for future generations, it is a worthwhile and satisfying shopping experience.
Immerse Yourself in the History of the White House at an Ideal Location
Although touring the interior of the White House is quite challenging for many Japanese visitors, the official merchandise available at the White House Historical Association, located near the White House, allows you to experience the White House’s history firsthand. With shops in the main building, inside the White House, and within the Visitor Center, you can easily stop by during your sightseeing.
Regarding operating hours, the main shop is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The White House shop operates from 7:30 am to 11:30 am on Tuesdays to Thursdays, and from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The Visitor Center shop is open from 7:30 am to 4 pm.
The White House is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United Stat...
