How the White House Easter Egg Roll Has Changed Over 146 Years
Each administration brings their own twist to the tradition.
The annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House is a long-standing tradition. It dates all the way back to 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes invited children to the building’s South Lawn for egg rolling because the grounds on Capitol Hill, then the most popular spot for child’s play during the holiday, had become too damaged. (In fact, Congress passed a law forbidding children to play on Capitol Hill in 1876.)
The White House has hosted its Easter Egg Roll pretty much every year since, with a few exceptions: the dark days of World War I and World War II, during President Harry S. Truman’s renovation of the building, and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interested in attending? The event is open to the public, but you must have a ticket, and those are only available by applying through the official White House Egg Roll lottery.
In the meantime, take a stroll down memory lane with these nostalgic photos of the Easter Egg Roll on the White House South Lawn.
1878
A boy holds the hand of a younger girl at the first White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington D.C.
1900
Children on the lawn of the White House during William McKinley's presidency, taking part in the annual Easter Egg Roll.
1921
Thousands of children and their parents gathered on the White House lawn to take part in the greatest Easter Egg rolling contest Washington had ever seen at the time.
1927
First Lady Grace Coolidge holds up her pet raccoon, Rebecca, for a crowd of children at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.
1930
President Hoover turned over the south grounds of the Executive Mansion for the annual Easter Egg Roll.
1933
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her granddaughter Sistie stroll through the crowd during the Easter event.
1935
Eleanor Roosevelt waves as she hosts the annual Easter Egg Roll.
1953
President Dwight D. Eisenhower holds his granddaughter during the Egg Roll.
1955
President Eisenhower welcomed these three sisters and other Washington children to the White House lawn for the annual Easter festivities.
1956
These kids were among the thousands of children who attended the 1956 Easter Egg Roll.
1961
Youngsters rolled their eggs during the 1961 egg roll despite the absence of the star attractions, President Kennedy and his family.
1965
Several hundred children and their parents braved a spring drizzle to take part in the traditional Easter Egg Roll, hosted by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
1982
President Ronald Reagan and Mrs. Reagan, surrounded by bunnies and children at the 1982 Easter Egg Roll.
1983
First lady Nancy Reagan hugs a participant as President Reagan signs Easter eggs.
1985
Vice President George Bush and Mrs. Bush get hugs from Easter bunnies.
1989
President Bush helps granddaughter Ellie with her egg.
1993
President Bill Clinton blows the whistle to begin the 1993 egg roll.
1995
President Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton with a bunny couple at the 1995 Easter Egg Roll.
1998
A mother and her 18-month-old daughter participate in the annual Easter Egg Roll in front of the White House.
1999
This year's White House Easter festivities included the egg roll, story telling, historical re-enactments, musical performances, and other entertainment.
Madison Alcedo was the Assistant Editor at WomansDay.com and Redbookmag.com.
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