Through renovations, remodelings, and rebuildings, the White House has been home to all 46 U.S. Presidents, say for the very first. It was George Washington himself who commissioned the building, drawing on celebrated Irish architect James Hoban for its design. Since then, the White House has continued to evolve. It was rebuilt after British troops burned the capital during the War of 1812 and rebuilt from the inside out during Harry Truman's presidency. Through it all, the building remains the residency and workplace of the U.S. president.

This specimen is a fragment from a brick recovered during the 1948-1952 renovation and expansion of the White House. The project is sometimes referred to as a reconstruction rather than a renovation as the venerable structure was gutted from within and refitted with a steel superstructure.

Built in the Neoclassical style of ancient Greece, the United State's own citadel of democracy has serviced the legislative branch since 1880. Fitting for a house of democracy, its design was chosen by an open contest of submissions, eventually going to late comer William Thornton. Like the home of the executive branch down the road, the Capitol Building has been renovated and revamped many times across its nearly 150 year history.

This specimen is fragment of the marble steps of the U.S. Capitol Building's East Front.

This material was originally installed in 1870 and replaced with granite in 1995. After this replacement, sections of Capitol marble were made available to the public.

During his early political career in the Illinois State Legislature, a little-known lawyer named Abraham Lincoln lived in a one and a half story building at 413 South Eighth Street in Springfield, Illinois. The modest home reflected the early years of the man who would one day command the United States and guide the young nation to victory in the Civil War. Lincoln and his family intended to retire back to the home after his presidency, but after his assassination, Lincoln's son Robert donated the building to the state of Illinois as a museum. It remains open to the public to this day.

This specimen is a fragment of brick from the walkway of that home. The brick was removed during renovation work in 1954. Originally, part of the First Edition of the Mini Museum we are proud to offer it as a specimen in this American History Bundle Collection!