The first annual White House Easter Egg Roll was held on April 22, 1878 after President Rutherford B. Hayes agreed to open the White House Grounds on Easter Monday. Congress had previously passed legislation to restrict public use of the Capitol Grounds, so children in the nation’s capital looked elsewhere to roll their Easter eggs.

In this engraving dated April 23, 1887, children chase after Easter eggs during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. The engraving was published in Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper. Dating back to 1878, the Easter Egg Roll is a cherished springtime tradition in Washington, D.C., with children and their families gathering on the South ...

In this photograph taken on April 1, 1929 by Herbert E. French of the National Photo Company, a group of children scramble for eggs during the White House Easter Egg Roll. Dating back to 1878, the Easter Egg Roll is a cherished springtime tradition in Washington, D.C., with children and their families gathering to enjoy festivities on the South ...

Since 1878, American presidents and their families have celebrated Easter Monday by hosting an "egg roll" party. Held on the South Lawn, it is one of the oldest annual events in White House history. It has changed and evolved through the years and each First Family has put their stamp on the popular public event.

The Easter Egg Roll is one of the oldest annual events in White House history. Beginning in the 1870s, Washingtonians from all walks of life celebrated the Monday after Easter on the West Grounds of the U.S. Capitol. In 1876, however, Congress restricted public use of the Capitol due to concerns about damaging the landscape, prohibiting future ...

President Benjamin Harrison added music to the Easter Egg Roll, ordering the United States Marine Band, known as "The President's Own," to play lively tunes while the children romped on the South Lawn. John Philip Sousa, who directed the band, took delight in treating the Egg Roll guests to rousing marches.

Dating back to 1878, the Easter Egg Roll is a cherished springtime tradition in Washington, D.C., with children and their families gathering to enjoy festivities on the South Lawn. Francis Benjamin Johnston was one of the first influential female photographers in America, and became well known for her intimate photographs of the Roosevelt ...

Easter Egg Roll Significant Dates. Since 1878, American presidents and their families have celebrated Easter Monday by hosting an 'egg roll' party. Held on the South Lawn, it is one of the oldest annual events in White House history. It has changed and evolved through the years and each First Family has put their stamp on the popular event.

Mar 1, 2024 · The White House Egg Roll dates back to 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes agreed to open the White House the Monday following Easter to all children who wanted to roll Easter eggs. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan hosted a hunt for wooden eggs that bore the signatures of famous people.

In this photograph taken on April 12, 1982, by National Geographic Service photographer Donald Crump, a child hugs the Easter Bunny during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Dating back to 1878, the Easter Egg Roll is a cherished springtime tradition in Washington, D.C., with children and their families gathering on the South Lawn to enjoy ...