Learning About White House Tours
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Posted On :
May-13-2010
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Article Word Count :
577
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White House tours are self-guided tours that are available to the public on different days. Before taking a tour, make sure that you are aware of the timings, how to get the tickets, dos and don'ts, and a little bit of history.
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White House tours are self-guided tours that are available to the public on different days. Before taking a tour, make sure that you are aware of the timings, how to get the tickets, dos and don'ts, and a little bit of history.
One of the ways to get tickets for White House tours is by submitting a request to the Member of Congress of your state. The request needs to be put in at least two-five months in advance. Generally requests are accepted six months in advance. The best thing to do is submit the request as early as possible, because only limited tours are available.
Timings
White House tours from Tuesday to Thursday start from 7:30 A.M to 11:00 A.M. On Fridays, the tour starts from 7:30 A.M to 12:00 P.M. On Saturdays, the tour timing is 7:30 A.M-1 P.M. There are no tours on days that are federally recognized holidays.
The tours are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Tours are conducted in a group of 10 people. If your group does not have 10 people, there is no need to worry, because you will be accommodated in another group.
If you are planning to take a tour to the White House, it is important to learn beforehand what you can and cannot carry. Visitors are not allowed to carry handbags, food, and beverages, any pointed items, such as pen, pencils, guns, fireworks, camera, cell phones, knives, and tobacco products. If you have any questions, you can always call the Visitors Office information number.
History
Another thing that you must be aware about before taking White House tours is its history. A little knowledge about its history will make the tour more interesting and learning experience.
The White House has been the presidential home for more than 200 years. It was designed by James Hoban, an Irish-born architect. The first cornerstone for the building was laid in October, 1792. President John Adams and his wife were the first residents of the White House in 1800.
Ever since, every subsequent president and his family has occupied the most famous residence of any head of state. Every president who has occupied the White House has expressed his individual decorative taste. Presidents are allowed to decorate certain parts of the White House as per their tastes.
There are a total of 132 rooms in the White House; however, public is not allowed to tour each and every room. There are 35 bathrooms, 412 doors, and 147 windows in the house.
In the past, it was known as the "President's House," "Executive Mansion," and "President's Palace." It was President Theodore Roosevelt who had given it the name of White House in 1901.
20-Minute Tour
A White House tour takes approximately 20 minutes. Since the tours are self-guided, you can go on your own from one room to another. If you want to tour the White House Gardens, then you need to find out the dates first. There are no set dates for these tours.
To make the White House tours more enriching, visitors are advised to visit the White House Visitor Center before or after the tour. Here, you can learn more about the first families, furnishings, architecture, and much more. At the end of the tour, you would be glad that you had planned everything in advance.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Learning About White House Tours_18682.aspx
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Author Resource :
White House tours offer a lifetime opportunity to visit the great establishment. Do check out the dates available and other conditions before going for them. For information visit the given link.
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Keywords :
white house tours,
Category :
Travel and Leisure
:
Travel and Leisure
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